Veasey Supports President Obama’s Executive Orders to Curb Gun Violence

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after President Obama announced a series of executive orders to expand background checks on gun purchases:

"I applaud the President's executive actions that will work to reduce gun violence, keep our communities safe, and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and dangerous individuals while protecting the Second Amendment rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens. His executive actions were necessary steps to protect the American public in light of Congressional Republicans' inaction. President Obama's actions would:

• Expand and strengthen the use of background checks by requiring any individuals engaged in the business of selling firearms to obtain a license which will help make the system more efficient and effective.
• Empower local governments to enforce existing laws by improving the resources available to law enforcement to apprehend bad actors.
• Increase investments in mental health to ensure patients get the help they need while also ensuring those who may inflict harm on themselves or others cannot obtain firearms.

The actions announced by the President today are just the first steps of many that could be made to keep the American people safe. The President has done his part; it is time for Congress to act now to close gun law loopholes that leave us vulnerable to gun violence. Along with my Democratic colleagues, I have cosponsored several pieces of sensible legislation that would toughen background checks nationally, allow further research into gun violence, and ban assault weapons.

Too many American families have lost loved ones due to gun violence and we should honor those lost by taking action today to prevent future tragedies. It is time we enact reasonable legislation that keeps weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals and review how easy it is for people to buy powerful assault weapons."

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