Biden’s Offensive Against Gun Violence: Major Expansion of Federal Background Checks Approved

The Biden administration has greenlit the broadest expansion of federal background checks on gun sales in decades, aiming to regulate the burgeoning shadow market of firearm sales.

This move is part of an effort to curb gun violence, a pressing issue in the United States.

Closing the Gun Show Loophole

Under the new regulation announced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (A.T.F.), individuals “engaged in the business” of selling guns for profit will be required to register as federally licensed firearms dealers.

This means conducting criminal and mental health background checks on potential buyers, a measure aimed at tightening the grip on the unchecked flow of firearms.

Addressing Legal Loopholes

Unlicensed private sellers, exploiting legal loopholes, have facilitated a significant portion of illegal gun transactions.

Four out of ten illegal gun cases from 2017 to 2021 involved such unregulated sales, highlighting the necessity of the new rule.

Impact and Challenges

The new regulation, expected to take effect in a month, could bring an additional 23,000 federal dealers under regulation, supplementing the existing 80,000.

However, it is likely to face legal challenges, with critics already labeling it a “backdoor” universal background check.

Biden’s Strategy and Response

President Biden, facing opposition from Republicans in Congress on universal background checks, has utilized a provision from a bipartisan gun control law passed in 2022.

Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the significance of the regulation in addressing gaps in the federal background check system, citing the devastating toll of gun violence.

Public Safety and Legal Compliance

Officials assert that the regulation aims to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens while upholding the rule of law.

Failure to comply could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.

Fulfilling Policy Promises

The announcement aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to fulfill policy promises despite congressional gridlock.

Efforts to combat gun violence, including enhanced background checks and new charges for illegal firearm transactions, underscore the administration’s commitment to public safety.

Online Marketplaces and Tragic Consequences

The proliferation of online platforms like Armslist has facilitated illicit firearm transactions, often without background checks.

Tragic incidents, such as the case of a 19-year-old with a history of mental health issues purchasing a firearm through Armslist and subsequently using it in a deadly attack, underscore the urgency of regulatory measures.

In conclusion, the Biden administration’s approval of expanded federal background checks represents a significant step towards curbing gun violence and ensuring public safety.

However, the regulation is expected to face legal challenges, highlighting the contentious nature of gun control policies in the United States.

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