Biden: "Gun Control Is Not Something That Happens Just by My Orders," Urges Congress to Pass Legislation

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] In the wake of the Texas elementary school shooting that claimed 21 lives, calls for gun control are growing louder in the United States, with President Joe Biden once again urging Congress to pass legislation.

On Memorial Day, the 30th (local time), President Biden arrived at the White House and told reporters that regulating assault weapons is "not something I can order." He emphasized, "I will continue to take all administrative actions I can," but added, "I cannot outlaw guns nor change background check regulations."

This implies that gun control is only possible if Congress passes a law. Currently, two gun control bills are pending in the Senate. One aims to extend the background check period from the current 3 days to at least 10 days when selling weapons. The other mandates background checks for all gun transactions. However, these bills have not passed due to Republican opposition. Historically, gun control has been an issue that clearly highlights the differing stances of the Republican and Democratic parties.

When asked if the Texas shooting made him feel the need for gun control more acutely, President Biden said, "I have always felt that need." He referenced his 3-hour and 40-minute meeting with the victims' families the day before, saying, "Their pain is vivid," and stressed, "I will continue to push for gun control."

In particular, he opposed the sale of 100-round magazines, stating, "There is only one reason to be able to shoot 100 rounds." Regarding the Second Amendment, which gun control opponents cite as a basis, he pointed out, "The Second Amendment is not absolute. When the Second Amendment was passed, you could not buy machine guns." This suggests that interpretations of the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to own and carry weapons, should evolve over time.

However, President Biden expressed hope for gun control negotiations in the political arena, saying, "I believe the situation has worsened, and everyone is becoming more reasonable." He described Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell as "reasonable."

Meanwhile, at the Memorial Day ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery, President Biden criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying Russia launched an aggressive war to erase the freedom, democracy, culture, and identity of its neighboring country, Ukraine. He emphasized, "The rule of law, free and fair elections, freedom of expression and assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press are essential elements of a free society and the foundation of America," adding, "But these democratic principles are not simply guaranteed even in the United States."

He also listed wars inside and outside the United States, including the Korean War, stating, "Freedom has never been free and requires defenders to protect democracy," and said, "Each generation must overcome the enemies of democracy. Democracy is not perfect, but it is worth fighting for and sometimes risking your life to protect."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.