President's gun agenda faces an uncertain future on Capitol Hill

President's gun agenda faces an uncertain future on Capitol Hill

Posted: Updated:
  • Gun Control Across America

  • Texas Gov. Rick Perry is courting Connecticut gun manufacturers, extolling the tax policies and regulatory climate of his state.
    Texas Gov. Rick Perry extolled the tax policies and regulatory climate of his state as he courted gun manufacturers that have threatened to leave Connecticut since the state passed new gun-control laws in response to the...
  • Six months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, some of the victims' families are heading to Capitol Hill to remind lawmakers they are painfully waiting for action, while some of the president's...
    Six months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, some of the victims' families are heading to Capitol Hill to remind lawmakers they are painfully waiting for action, while some of the president's allies...
  • Friday, May 31 2013 2:18 PM EDT2013-05-31 18:18:35 GMT
    A federal appeals court panel Friday unanimously upheld an Obama administration requirement that dealers in southwestern border states report when customers buy multiple high-powered rifles.
    A federal appeals court panel Friday unanimously upheld an Obama administration requirement that dealers in southwestern border states report when customers buy multiple high-powered rifles.

By Nicole Collins, FOX News

WASHINGTON -- Now that the President has laid out his proposals to crack down on gun violence, the push to pass them through Congress begins. And on this issue, it could be a handful of moderate Democrats who make all the difference.

Surrounded by children, President Obama signed 23 executive orders in an effort to prevent gun violence, like improving information sharing, reviewing safety standards and providing more active shooter training for law enforcement and school officials.

"As important as these steps are, they are in no way a substitute for action from members of Congress. To make a real and lasting difference, Congress, too, must act," he said.

The President wants Congress to restore a ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines.

Republicans say "no way" and even some Democrats are wary of offering their full support.

"There's a lot less going on here than meets the eye.   The executive orders are useless, and the legislative proposals, I suspect, will not pass. The President's legislative proposals will collapse at the hands of Democrats," said conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer.

His executive actions are facing opposition as well.  Republican Senator Rand Paul says they are a breach of Constitutional separation of powers.

"We will nullify anything the President does that smacks of legislation," he said.

The President's best bet is his call for background checks on all gun sales, which is a top priority for advocacy groups that see it as the most important step to curbing gun crimes.

According to an Associated Press poll, 84 percent of Americans support broader background checks.

Powered by WorldNow

KSAZ-TV & KUTP
511 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: (602) 257-1234
Fax: (602) 262-0177

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices