In a press conference today, President Obama boldly outlined a historic set of gun-control proposals, the most drastic change in gun laws this country has seen since 1960, ABC News reported.
Gun control has been a hotly debated topic, following several mass shooting tragedies.
Vice President Joe Biden opened the press conference by saying that over the past month, his office has held 22 different meetings with 229 different organizations and 31 elected officials, those for and against strengthening gun laws, to develop a plan to he said would help end gun violence.
Following Vice President Biden’s introduction, President Obama took the stage. With an edge of determination to his voice, the President spoke about the recent mass shootings in Connecticut, Colorado and Virginia Tech.
President Obama said he’s calling on Congress to pass new gun legislation swiftly.
“I’m calling on Congress to pass come very specific proposals right away,” he said.
“I intend to use whatever weight this office holds to make them a reality,” President Obama said. “If there’s even one life that can be saved, then we’ve got an obligation to try.”
“As soon as I finish here, I will set at that desk and sign a directive that will give schools, mental health facilities… the power to help combat gun violence,” the President said.
The proposal is broken down into four categories: law enforcement, the accessibility of dangerous/military-style firearms and ammunition, school safety and mental health.
He then outlined a few of the 23 Executive Actions the gun proposal included:
*Congress to require a universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun.
“More than 40% of guns sold are sold without a background check,” the President said.
*Congress should restore a ban on military-style assault weapons and a ten round limit for magazines.
*Support a ban on the further manufacturing of military style assault weapons.
* Providing mental health services in schools
*Put more police back on the job.
*Stiffer punishments for gun traffickers.
Read the entire proposal here.