President Biden Signs Executive Order To Increase Background Checks For Firearm Purchases
President Biden announced on Tuesday that he has signed an executive order aimed to broaden the number of background checks conducted before firearm purchases. The President made this announcement when he visited Monterey Park, California, the location of a mass shooting that killed 11 people last year.
The Executive Order gives Attorney General Merrick Garland the ability to broaden the definition of who is “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. Currently, firearm retailers must have a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) and all customers are subject to a background check. While this policy will still exist, the Executive Order moves the nation one step closer to requiring universal background checks — the practice of requiring background checks on ALL firearm sales, including private transactions.
“First, this executive order helps keep firearms out of dangerous hands, as I continue to call on Congress to require background checks for all firearm sales. And in the meantime — in the meantime, my executive order directs my Attorney General to take every lawful action possible — possible to move us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation.“
President Biden’s remarks in Monterey Park, California
According to President Biden, the order will expand “public awareness campaigns about red flags laws.” The order also requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and report on how the gun industry markets firearms to minors.
It remains to be seen exactly how this broadly defined executive order will impact firearm owners and the future purchases of firearms. But the President has continued to make it clear that his eventual goal is for Congress to pass an “assault weapons” ban and restrictions on “high capacity” magazines.
“Let’s be clear, none of this absolves Congress from the responsibility of acting, to pass universal background checks, eliminate gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability. I’m determined once again to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.”
President Biden’s remarks in Monterey Park, California
