Expressing frustration with Congress for not passing sensible gun safety reforms, the president is moving ahead with his plan to announce a number of executive actions on guns that his advisors assure him will reduce gun violence and his legal team assures him do not violate the Constitution.
The administration gave the media a preview of President Obama’s executive actions Monday night before their formal announcement Tuesday morning, and it turns out that Congress — as keeper of the purse — isn’t fully bypassed after all.
Under @POTUS exec actions, anyone in the business of selling guns – including gun shows – has to have a license & conduct background checks.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 4, 2016
ATF to crack down on those in the gun business from hiding behind gun collector and hobbyist exemptions.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 4, 2016
Pres Obama to seek congressional funding for 200 new ATF agents and investigators to expand enforcement of gun sale regulations.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 4, 2016
@markknoller So the plan is to grow an already bloated fed to enforce an area that criminals don't even use?? Got it. Savvy.
— Sect 35, Row 72 (@md_schmidt) January 4, 2016
@markknoller @amountainpass and congress will tell him 2 fly a kite. When he starts calling 4 prosecution of current laws, he can come back.
— Shayna Lopez Rivas (@noleforjustice) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/christophermah3/status/684158233183780864
@markknoller more guns needed to regulate guns
— Jeff Wesolowski (@Westolowski) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/Sports_Politic/status/684158364599848960
ATF isn’t the only government agency enlisted to help reduce gun violence.
Social Security to begin rulemaking on providing information on beneficiaries prohibited from possessing guns for mental health reasons.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 4, 2016
Similarly, @HHSGov to finalize rule allowing States to report on people barred from possessing a gun for mental health reasons.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 4, 2016
Along with more ATF agents, the president is going to need to hire more staff to perform background checks.
Pres to announce adding staff to NICS – the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, now dealing with >53,000 checks a day.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/chucknicholas/status/684164903561752576
@markknoller same type of people that work for the irs.. Smh
— Fenton (@papa_fenton) January 5, 2016
@markknoller @nranews those democrats love taking away from rights and adding more government.
— Warren vs DC (@AlexHamUSA) January 5, 2016
@markknoller I know how to increase efficiency! Crest government jobs!
— Congressional Medal of Respondix ? (@respondix) January 5, 2016
@markknoller …and where does the funding come from?….He's worked that all out with Congress… right?
— Elbridge Condee (@econdee) January 5, 2016
Pres Obama directs DOD, DOJ and DHS to pursue gun safety technology to reduce accidental discharge or unauthorized use of firearms.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 5, 2016
Apparently we can expect more than just the president and his teleprompter tomorrow.
WH says audience for @POTUS gun statement Tuesday to include people whose "lives have been impacted" by gun violence. At 1140am in East Room
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 5, 2016
Will any of these people include citizens who have protected themselves and their family with their legally obtained guns?