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Under current law, only federally-licensed gun dealers must conduct background checks on buyers. But sellers can skirt that requirement by declining to register as dealers at gun shows, flea markets and on websites. The president’s executive order makes a more sweeping definition of gun dealers.
“Anybody in the business of selling firearms must get a license and conduct background checks or be subject to criminal prosecutions.”
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, says the president should better enforce current law and work with Congress on legislation reforming the mental health system. He’s been proposing his Mental Health and Safe Communities Act.
Improving the mental health system is echoed by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands.
“Well, gun violence is real. But nothing’s gonna change as long as President Obama keeps ignoring mental health care while targeting law-abiding citizens who responsibly exercise their second amendment rights,” Brady says. “My thought is, look if we’re honest, those dictates are outdated, they’re unconstitutional and really won’t make this country one ounce safer.”
But the president says he wants to earmark $500 million to mental health care, “We’re gonna do more to help those suffering from mental health get the help that they need, so…”
“Let’s put the president’s commitment in perspective,” Congressman Brady says. “It represents one hour of federal spending and no new real solutions (to) mental health care.”
Governor Greg Abbott says the Bill of Rights was added as a specific safeguard to prevent the federal government from denying Americans those guaranteed rights.
Full statement from Governor Greg Abbott:
"The Bill of Rights was added as a specific safeguard to prevent the federal government from denying Americans those guaranteed rights," said Governor Abbott. "Today, the President trampled the purpose and substance of the Bill of Rights by unilaterally imposing Second Amendment restrictions. After failing to pass gun control measures through Congress, the President is yet again resorting to unilateral executive action in place of the democratic process. Despite the President's latest attempt to undermine our liberty, Texas will take every action to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens."