In an effort to reduce gun-related crimes and deaths in the United States, President Barack Obama unveiled several new proposals Wednesday aimed to strengthen gun control laws.
The $500 million dollar plan consists of 23 executive measures, which range from closing background check loopholes to increasing access to mental health services.
The proposals come about a month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that left 26 dead in Newtown, Conn.
Obama stressed the importance of protecting children from gun violence.
“What we should be thinking about is our responsibility to care for them, and shield them from harm, and give them the tools they need to grow up and do everything that they’re capable of doing,” he said, “not just to pursue their own dreams, but to help build this country.”
At UF, student political organizations chimed in on Obama’s gun control proposals.
Katy Melchiorre, a 21-year-old political science and telecommunication senior and UF College Republicans chairwoman, said she supports law-abiding citizens owning guns, and said tragedies, like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary, are not committed by people who follow the law.
“While the president is focusing on gun regulation, I hope that Congress can focus on the underlying issues behind the tragedy, like our country’s mental health system, because I believe that is where the reform is needed — not guns,” she said.
Rachel McGovern, a 20-year-old political science junior and UF College Democrats vice president, said she agrees with Obama’s proposals.
“I’m proud the man I voted into office is really taking a stand on this issue,” she said.
Obama called for Congress to require background checks on every person purchasing a gun. He also proposed to restore a ban on the sale of military-style assault weapons.
Obama’s plan was met with opposition from critics, including the National Rifle Association. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, voiced his support for citizens to bear arms.
“Rather than sweeping measures that make it harder for responsible, law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms,” he said in a statement, “we should focus on the root causes of gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill.”
Contact Chris Alcantara at calcantara@alligator.org.
