This morning President Biden will announce a series of executive actions aimed at greater regulation of so-called "ghost guns" -- which are purchased in pieces and assembled at home -- and at a gun accessory, specifically a gun-stabllizing brace, of the kind used in last month's rampage in Georgia. He also plans to name David Chipman as the new head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Currently, Chipman advises the gun safety advocacy group Giffords.
Last month, the House-passed a bill to expand background checks on gun sales and lengthen the current waiting period for review of the sales to 10 days. Despite 84% public support for more rigorous background checks for gun sales, Senate Republicans are expected to oppose the House bill unanimously.
Gun violence picked up after falling off during the pandemic and the attendant quarantine measures, making it necessary to push for gun safety measures (including stronger "red flag" laws for potentially dangerous or disturbed people). At the same time, the gun lobby is back on its heels, with the National Rifle Rampage Association facing collapse in the wake of its corruption scandals and legal action by Letitia James, the powerful Attorney General for the State of New York. With public frustration growing over continual gun violence and the gun lobby faltering, Biden's executive actions are timely, but modest. Legislative action is imperative, but unlikely as long as the Republican / Trumpist cult is in the grasp of the weakened, but still dangerous gun lobby.
