On Wednesday, January 9, 2013, Vice President Joe Biden openly vowed to take urgent action against the threat of gun violence in America. In his campaign, Biden pledged the Obama administration's support in steps that will be taken to remove thousands of people from "harm's way," while simultaneously improving safety for millions more Americans throughout the country.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has long since exhibited its staunch opposition to the national efforts at gun control, and it will do so again as new efforts are made. The Vice President's specific attention to gun control seems to stem from last month's school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, after which President Obama commissioned Biden with the task of coming up with recommendations regarding the nation's gun policy.
As each day brings us one step closer to the end of the month, at which time Biden is expected to propose his recommendations to the president, it comes as little surprise that the vice president has called for urgent reform. In fact, the vice president has voiced that he and the president are "determined to take action" on the matter. Now, Biden is heavily considering the option of taking executive action on the issue in addition to the legislation that he plans to recommend to Congress.
Among the gun control reforms that are currently under discussion among Biden's team are ideas such as making gun trafficking a felony offense; requiring that federal agencies submit data to the National Gun Background Check Database; and prosecuting people who are caught lying on background check forms for gun purchase. In order for changes such as placing a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines to occur, congressional approval will be required.
Today's announcements were only the first of what will likely be many more. Tomorrow, the vice president will again appear before an audience regarding this matter; however, this time it is speculated to be a much tougher crowd. Before NRA officials, various gun-owner groups, and retailers such as Wal-Mart, Biden will be asked to provide commentary on the recommendations that are currently under way. It won't be until January 21st, however, when the vice president is officially sworn into office for another term, that Biden will officially announce his administration's plan of attack.
Until more is disclosed about the potential reforms to gun control that Vice President Biden has in mind, current gun owners in Las Vegas – and throughout the U.S., for that matter – can do nothing more than wait. Right now, Biden's team is reportedly acting under the notion that doing something for gun reform is better than doing nothing, which makes it safe to assume that gun owners can indeed expect changes; although to what degree will remain to be seen.
As the days and weeks of 2013 progress and more and more information is released regarding the gun control reforms that could be in our nation's future, the Brown Law Offices will be here to keep you informed. Dedicated to the practice of criminal defense, our Las Vegas criminal attorneys always remain up to date on news stories, especially those that could affect the future of our clients. As such, we stand ready to defend persons who've been accused of a criminal offense in the state of Nevada. If you were charged for the illegal possession of a firearm or any other gun-related offense, we urge you to contact our office today.