New rule forces more gun sellers to do background checks
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Thousands more gun sellers will soon be forced to run background checks on buyers, because of a new rule from the Biden administration.
The President’s team says the move will close loopholes and prevent dangerous people from getting firearms. But gun rights advocates are pushing back.
On Thursday, the Biden administration finalized a new rule that expands which gun sellers are required to run background checks.
Stefanie Feldman is the Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. She calls the change a common sense step.
“Tens of thousands of firearms a year are going to run through background checks that previously would not have to have them,” Feldman said. “Now we’re going to have fewer guns getting into the hands of domestic abusers, felons and other violent criminals.”
The move is meant to crack down on sales happening outside of gun stores, like at gun shows or online.
“This is as close as possible as we can get to universal background checks without additonal legislation,” Feldman said.
The change is facing pushback from gun rights advocates. Mark Oliva with the National Shooting Sports Foundation says he’s concerned about it.
“This administration is using a whole of government approach to attack this industry to decimate your Second Amendment rights,” Oliva said.
He says the rule change goes after individuals and invades personal privacy.
“Now you’re going to require me as an individual to be registered as a federal firearms licensee in order for me to transfer a firearm,” Oliva said.
In the bipartisan gun package passed two years ago, Congress changed the definition of a firearms dealer. The White House says this new rule just enforces that change.
“We’re confident that this complies with the law and is executing a law passed by both Democrats and Republicans,” Feldman said.
But Oliva argues it goes too far.
“The Biden administration is exceeding its authority to implement gun control that’s unconstitutional,” Oliva said.
He expects the rule change will be challenged in court and by Republican lawmakers.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
