The Obama administration will announce a series of executive actions on Tuesday to combat gun violence in the U.S. Among other things, the actions would expand mandatory background checks for some private sales. The administration would also provide more funding for mental health treatment, FBI staff and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives agents.
Republicans in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail have blasted any attempt by the White House to crack down on gun rules. “These are not only recommendations that are well within my legal authority and the executive branch,” Obama told reporters gathered in the Oval Office. “But they are also ones that the overwhelming majority of the American people, including gun owners, support and believe in.”
With Attorney General Loretta Lynch by his side, the President said he planned to roll out the new restrictions, aimed at combating a wave of recent shootings, in the coming days. He will hold a town hall on the topic Thursday that will air on CNN and is expected to make it a focus next week during his final State of the Union address. FULL REPORT
