A bill that contains some of the most significant revisions to federal gun laws in decades was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Saturday.
During the signing ceremony in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Biden remarked, “Lives will be spared.”
‘We don’t even hear about the amount of people slain every day in the streets, from Columbine to Sandy Hook to Charleston, Orlando, Las Vegas, Parkland, El Paso, Atlanta, Buffalo, Uvalde, and for the shootings that happen every day in the streets that are mass shootings. The president remarked, “Their message to us was to do something.
He said, “Today we did.”
The new rule was passed in response to a string of deadly mass shootings, including ones at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, where 17 students and two teachers perished, and a grocery store in Buffalo where 10 people of color were killed.
Although the measure does not contain all of Biden’s demands, it does contain acts that will save lives, he acknowledged.
The president applauded the issue’s bipartisan work.
It’s now when it appears impossible to do anything in Washington. We are making a significant contribution, he declared.
He also suggested that both parties work together to accomplish more.
We can come to an agreement on guns, and we hope to be able to do the same on other important topics like veterans’ health care and cutting-edge American innovation. I am aware that there is still much to do. And I won’t ever give up. But today is a historic day,” Biden remarked.
For the signing, Jill Biden was by his side. On July 11, Biden and the first lady will host a larger gathering at the White House.
After completing the bill’s signing, Biden added, “God willing, it’s going to save a lot of lives.” He got a kiss from Jill Biden.
Prior to traveling to Europe for the G7 and NATO summits, where he will keep Western friends united in their support for the Ukraine, Biden signed the historic law. He will also work to overcome Turkey’s objections to Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark judgment that made abortion legal in the nation, led to the signing the day following.
Senators from both parties worked to draft the legislation.
The proposal will toughen background checks for younger gun buyers, strengthen background check procedures, and stiffen punishments for gun traffickers. It won backing from both political parties in the House and Senate.
The law would also ban anyone who have been convicted of domestic violence from obtaining firearms if they are not married to their victims.
The possession of firearms is already prohibited for convicted abusers who are married to, reside with, or have children with their victims.
Additionally, $750 million would be given to additional states with violence prevention initiatives as well as the 19 states with “red flag” legislation, which make it simpler to temporarily seize firearms from dangerous individuals.
The recipients of the cash must have legal procedures in place for the gun owner to contest the confiscation of their weaponry.
The law would give grants to states and localities to fund initiatives to increase school security and mental health.
Representatives Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Tom Rice, John Katko, Maria Salazr, Chris Jacobs, Brian Fitzpatrick, Peter Meijer, Fred Upton, Steve Chabot, Mike Turner, David Joyce, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, and Tony Gonzalez were among the 14 Republicans who voted in favor of the bill, which was passed by the House on Friday by a vote of 234-193.
By a unanimous vote of 65-33 on Thursday, the Senate approved it. Senators John Cornyn, Pat Toomey, Roy Blunt, Richard Burr, Shelley Moore Capito, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Joni Ernst, Lindsey Graham, Lisa Murkowski, Rob Portman, Mitt Romney, Thom Tillis, and Todd Young were among the Republican senators who voted in support.
It did not feature key provisions favored by President Biden and Democrats, including a ban on assault-type weapons and background checks for all gun purchases.
However, it is the most significant gun legislation Congress has passed since the now-expired 1993 ban on assault rifles.