Biden Unveils New Package of Gun-Control Regulation
Following a recent escalating surge in mass shootings in the United States, the Biden Administration unveiled a new plan to combat gun violence on April 8. In a stark reminder of it’s daily toll on the country, the announcement came on a day in which the United States experienced two major mass shootings: one in Bryan, Texas, and one in Rockhill, South Carolina. Declaring gun violence an “international embarrassment” and “blemish on the nation,” Biden introduced measures to restrict “ghost guns,” firearms which can be assembled at home using materials purchased online. This regulation was seen as crucial as the parts provided by these kits frequently come without identifying serial numbers.
Another motion, to heavily regulate arm braces which increase the accuracy of pistols, seems to be in direct response to the recent shooting in Boulder, Colorado where the perpetrator killed ten people using the weapon. And Biden has emphasized that these measures are just the starting point. He intends to continue on a path of further regulation, banning assault weapons, stripping gun manufacturers of immunity to liability lawsuits, and legislating universal background checks. He acknowledged that while these measures require the support of Congress, he would do what he could to end the epidemic killing 100 Americans a day.
Recognizing the even split in the Senate, which likely rules out aggressive, sweeping legislation, Biden has taken an approach similar to former president Obama, finding that executive action can be a more effective tool to pass regulations which don’t require Congress.
Biden also announced the name of the man who will be put in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): firearm restrictions advocate Dan Chipman. Chipman’s professional experience dates back to involvement in the 1993 World Trade Center Bombings, Oklahoma City Bombings, and his eventual position in the ATF as a special agent in charge of firearm programs. After leaving the Bureau, Chipman advocated for policy change in organizations such as ShotSpotter and Everytown for Gun Safety. Chipman has expressed support for banning assault weapons, increasing background checks, limiting more dangerous magazines, and ending legal shields protecting gun manufacturers. Chipman’s previous statements have earned his nomination praise from ATF veterans and gun-control advocates who see his nomination as historic. He is the first in his position to have direct connections to gun-control advocacy. However, this clear connection to gun-control reform groups and continuous advocacy will likely make his nomination difficult in a 50-50 Republican Democrat split senate. Realizing this, Chipman has made his Twitter account, in which he previously criticized former President Donald Trump and New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, private.
As attention draws to the drastic increase in mass shootings in the United States, the coming weeks will reveal how effective Congress will be in passing restrictive regulation. With the Senate likely split down the middle when it comes to supporting restrictions, gun control is likely to continue as a prolonged battle.
by LAASYA CHIDURUPPA