Joe Biden, the President of the United States, on Thursday (2) gave a speech about the rules governing the sale of guns in his country in an attempt to persuade lawmakers to take measures restricting access to firearms.
- Share via WhatsApp
- Share via telegram
“Enough, enough,” he said. The speech was recorded at the White House, the seat of the US government. Biden is calling for a new rule for gun sellers, who must review customer records and take other actions to limit sales.
- Back pain after surgery motivated killer to kill 4 at US medical center, police say
- Child survivors of the Uvalde massacre give their first testimonies
Biden referred to the series of mass attacks that have taken place in the country.
Biden calls for ‘rational’ opposition to US arms sales curb
“For heaven’s sake, how much carnage are we willing to accept?” he asked.
Biden is from the Democratic Party. He says lawmakers from the other major party, the Republicans, have in the past blocked measures to limit gun sales, like raising the minimum age for buyers and ending protections for gun manufacturers who can’t be sued by gun violence victims who use their products were used.
The US has a higher death rate from guns than any other rich country.
In the last few weeks there have been two mass attacks:
- A gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at a school in Uvalde, Texas;
- A gunman killed four people at an Oklahoma medical center.
Gunman kills 4 at Oklahoma Medical Center
Activists demanding more controls have pressured Biden to take executive action to restrict access to guns.
However, Biden wants to do so with Congressional approval.
There are committees in the Legislature drafting legislation to tighten restrictions, but the measure is known to have scant Senate approval.
Biden gave a speech to pressure lawmakers and keep the issue in the minds of voters.
In 2022, more than 18,000 people died from gun violence in the United States (the number includes homicides and suicides).
Republican shows plastic pistol
Republican lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have resisted attempts by Democrats to push new restrictions. A Republican congressman drew pistols during a hearing to complain that they could be banned.
Republican lawmaker Greg Steube, attending the committee meeting practically from his Florida home, challenged laws that would have banned multiple handguns. He raised four weapons in front of the committee, one after the other.
“Here is a weapon that I carry every day to protect myself, my family, my wife, my home,” said the MP in his second term.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler interrupted, “I hope that’s not loaded.”
Steube replied: “I’m at home. I can do whatever I want with my guns.”
Democrats, who control the House by a narrow margin, intend to put the Protection of Our Children Act to a vote in the House next week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.
Why the measure is not being pushed forward in the Senate
President Biden’s party has enough votes to pass the law in the House of Representatives, but stands a slim chance in the 5050 Senate, where 60 votes are needed to pass most legislation. Republicans in Congress are staunch supporters of gun rights.