Joe Biden Says President Obama Can Use ‘Executive Action’ On Gun Control
President Barack can use executive action on gun control measures, according to statements Vice President Joe Biden made on Wednesday. The second-in-command noted during a meeting about the gun violence task force meeting that the White House had determined the president can use executive power to push through measures which attempt to thwart gun violence. Gun rights advocates, including the National Rifle Association (NRA) will likely not support any attempt to circumvent Second Amendment protections.
During the meeting with gun control advocacy groups, Vice President Joe Biden had this to say:
“We’re here today to deal with a problem that requires immediate action, urgent action. The president is going to act. I want to make clear that we’re not going to get caught up in the notion that, unless we can do everything, were going to do nothing.”
When the vice president told the group assembled to advise the Obama administration about gun control measures, it was the first time that bypassing Congress with an executive order was mentioned, according to the Business Insider.
Biden did not specifically state what he meant by “executive action” in reference to President Obama’s gun control options. An executive order is perhaps the most commonly used and referred to type of law making ability used by a president.
Joe Biden’s gun violence task force meeting on Wednesday was the first of several scheduled to this week. The vice president will meet with the NRA, Walmart, and other gun retailers on Thursday, the Huffington Post notes.
Those attending the gun control meeting at the White House on Wednesday include Attorney General Eric Holder, mass shooting victims and relatives, Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence members, Cease Fire Pennsylvania, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and the Violence Policy Center.
Do you think President Obama should sign a gun control executive order?