Politics & Government

President Obama's New Gun Control Plan Released Wednesday

The president issued 23 executive actions and is urging Americans to pressure Congress to pass universal background checks on gun sales, ban military-style assault rifles and limit ammunition magazines. Share your thoughts here.

University City Mayor Shelley Welsch joined the ranks of several U.S. mayors Wednesday when she voiced support for President Barack Obama's gun control plan in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, CT.

The president issued 23 executive actions and is urging Americans to put pressure on Congress to pass his proposed changes, including universal background checks on gun sales, a ban military-style assault rifles and limited ammunition magazines.

Welsch, a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition, issued a statement through the organization shortly after Obama spoke.

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"There are 33 Americans murdered with guns every day, and there's something we can do to stop the bloodshed. So why in the world would we wait?" Welsch said. "President Obama announced today that he is taking bold steps to address the epidemic of gun violence in America. Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress must work together to pass common-sense measures. We cannot afford to wait for more lives to be lost."

The president's proposals come after recommendations from a task force headed by Vice President Joe Biden. Biden recently led a series of meetings focused on gun reform where he met with a variety of groups, inlcuding the National Rifle Association, to gather information prior to the task force recommendations.

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Obama also issued 23 executive orders that do not require congressional approval, including strengthening background checks on gun sales and expanding safety programs in schools.

What do you think about the president's proposal's? Tell us in the comment box below.


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