#RESPECT: President Obama Makes Historic Decision to Fight Gun Control

President Barack Obama made the executive order Monday to expand background checks to cover more firearms sold at gun shows, online and anywhere else, aiming to curb gun violence despite unyielding opposition to new laws in Congress.

According to the Washington (AP), Obama’s plan to broaden background checks forms is the main piece of a bigger puzzle of gun control measures. President Obama plans to take on the nation’s gun battle in his final term. Although Obama can not change gun laws alone, but the president is hoping that strengthening enforcement of existing laws can prevent some gun deaths in our nation.

“This is not going to solve every violent crime in this country,” Obama said. Still, he added, “It will potentially save lives and spare families the pain of these extraordinary losses.”

Under current federal law, only federally licensed gun dealers must conduct background checks on buyers, but many who sell guns at flea markets, on websites or in other informal settings don’t register as dealers. The “loophole” is exploited to skirt the background check requirement and could possible be a factor in the gun control issues.

Now, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will issue updated guidance that states the government should deem anyone “in the business” of selling guns to be a dealer. To that end, the government will consider other factors, including how many guns a person sells and how frequently, and whether those guns are sold for a profit.

“We’re very comfortable that the president can legally take these actions,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

Obama’s announcement was supported by Democratic lawmakers and gun control groups like the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which claimed Obama was making history with “bold and meaningful action” that would make all Americans safer.