In the wake of two devastating mass shootings in recent weeks, President Biden has signed the largest gun control bill in nearly 30 years. The House passed the bill with bipartisan support, but it was defeated in the Senate by 65 votes to 33. This bipartisan support was the catalyst for a bipartisan push to expand reforms in gun control legislation. Bipartisan support is crucial to stop another tragedy like it from happening.
The president’s recent speech drew a lukewarm response from gun control activists. Biden noted that gun violence is a major economic problem in America, costing $280 billion annually in hospital bills, legal fees and prison costs. People need to understand how much gun violence is costing them personally. Governors will be more likely to take action if this is brought into focus.
On Tuesday, the president was busy as he traveled to Europe for NATO meetings and to meet with leaders from Russia or Ukraine. He did sign a bill that provided free meals to children. It is likely that the next administration will follow his lead after passing the bill. He will then return to Washington, D.C., to attend NATO summits regarding Ukraine, Syria, and the Ukraine.
The US president had called for Congress to pass comprehensive gun laws. However, Republican legislators have been more focused upon measures that could be passed in the Senate. Senate Republicans rejected calls for a federal flag law. However, the bipartisan bill includes $750 million for states to enforce red flag laws and funds for crisis intervention programs.
The enhanced background checks for gun buyers younger than 10 years old will end after a decade and the matter will be left to their successors.
