Advocates ‘Demand Action’ to End Gun Violence
The US Senate Judiciary Committee has already advanced four pieces of gun legislation, but it remains to be seen what the chamber will vote upon when it reconvenes next month. Regardless of what happens, Vice President Joe Biden says it’s just the beginning. “The American people are way ahead of their political leaders and we – the president and I and the mayors – intend to stay current with the American people,” Biden said on a Wednesday conference call hosted by Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
The call came in advance of what advocates are calling the “National Day to Demand Action” to end gun violence. In the Keystone State, rallies are planned, Thursday, in Easton and Norristown. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter also has a Thursday news conference planned to address the issue.
Vice President Biden laid out a number of priorities on the call, including universal background checks. “No federal registry is kept, it’s not gun registration, it’s common sense,” Biden said, noting that such background checks only take minutes. He says a loophole in the existing law allows 40% of guns to be purchased without a background check.
Mayors Against Illegal Guns has already launched a TV ad campaign in Pennsylvania, urging Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) to support expanded background checks.
This is all in anticipation of a Senate debate next month, which is expected could include background checks either in the principle bill or as an amendment.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania gun rights supporters already have a date circled on their calendars next month. April 23rd will mark Second Amendment Action Day at the state capitol.
