Monday’s massacre of six people, including three 9-year-olds, at a Nashville elementary school has rekindled the political debate over gun control, with some Democrats pushing for gun reform in the Republican-controlled House. Now .
President Biden called on Congress to enact a ban on assault weapons following Monday’s shootings, but admitted on Tuesday that he had exhausted all administrative options while appealing to Congress.
“I’ve used the fullest of my executive powers to do everything gun-related. Congress must take action,” Biden said as he left the White House for a trip to North Carolina. told reporters.
“The majority of Americans think having an assault weapon is a strange, crazy idea. I think,” he said.
Although the Republican-controlled House is unlikely to take any reform measures, Democratic leaders are considering a political ploy known as the Discharge Petition, which allows a simple majority to bring legislation to the floor.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., a leading supporter of gun control, raised the possibility of using legislative means at the Democratic caucuses Tuesday morning.
Democratic House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) promised to “move forward” in a closed-door meeting.
“Let’s stand up, show up and speak up on this issue so we can end the scourge of gun violence in America,” he said. Reported by Politico.
He noted that the bipartisan Safe Communities Act passed after the Uvalde, Texas shooting was a “floor” for future proposals, not a cap, Politico reported.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-California) also went beyond the typical reaction after a mass shooting to reach out to his colleagues.
“We believe there are other laws that can be enforced,” he said. “We must not only think and pray, but also take action.”
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
But based on comments made after the shooting, Republicans don’t seem ready to yield on the issue.
Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said he doesn’t think Congress should limit offensive weapons.
“The Second Amendment is the Second Amendment. I believe in the Second Amendment and it should not punish law-abiding American citizens.” An Ohio Republican told CNN.
Gun countermeasures must go through the Jordan panel.
The Covenant school shooter carried three weapons: two AR-15 style assault rifles and a handgun.
Former Christian school student Aubrey Hale, 28, mowed down six people before being shot dead by police.
Hale killed 9-year-old Evelyn Deekhouse, Harry Scruggs, William Kinney, parent Mike Hill, substitute teacher Cynthia Peek, 61, and school principal Katherine Coons, 60.
Senator Bill Haggerty (R, Tennessee) on Tuesday dodged questions from reporters about the assault weapons ban.
“The tragedy that happened in my state was the result of a depraved and very sick person. , and along with those in my community, we are all in mourning now.” HagEtty told CNN.
“I am convinced that politics affects everything. But right now I am not focused on the politics of the situation. I am focused on the victims,” he continued.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who played a key role in negotiating last year’s bipartisan gun bill, was fed up with calls for additional gun control.
,war “I think we’ve done all we can — unless someone identifies areas we didn’t address” nahe told reporters on Monday night.
Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett called the killing of six people in Nashville a “horrifying situation,” but said Congress could not “fix” the shooting.
“We’re not going to fix it. Criminals will be criminals,” Burchett told reporters on the steps of the US Capitol on Monday.
“My father fought in World War II, fought in the Pacific, fought the Japanese. He called me ‘buddy.’ There’s not much you can do about it.
with post wire
