Following an announcement by President Barack Obama that a series of executive orders will be issued to restrict firearm purchases in the U.S., opposition to the plan has continued to grow.
“Recent tragedies in our country were horrible acts that renew the call for effective solutions against senseless violence,” Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH) said. “However, the president’s proposals show no promise in preventing these tragedies or addressing the root causes behind them– mental illness. If President Obama wants to make a difference, he should respect the rule of law and come to the table with lawmakers to advance reforms to our mental health system. He should not continue to ignore Congress or divide our country at the expense of law-abiding citizens.”
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) said that President Obama’s actions vastly exceed his executive authority.
“This is yet another attempt by President Obama to bypass the American people, their elected representatives, and the Constitution itself,” Chaffetz said. “The president’s approach undermines the foundation of our democracy. The committee will continue to conduct vigorous oversight and shine light on this administration.”
In response, Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) announced that he is cosponsoring the Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN). Under the legislation, any actions that would violate the Second Amendment or interfere on Congress’ Article I responsibilities would have “no force or effect.” It would also prohibit funds for such actions and establish standing for Congress, state and local governments, as well as aggrieved persons, to challenge any such actions in district court.
“When this president can’t get what he wants, he acts unilaterally by executive order,” Boustany said. “Our president is not a king; he is meant to be held accountable by the people who elect him and by the coequal branches of our government.
“While the president complains about congressional inaction, Congress is already working on mental health legislation that will improve treatment and ensure guns are kept out of the hands of the mentally unstable. As a strong defender of our Second Amendment rights, I will work with my colleagues to block any backdoor attempt by the administration to limit gun ownership for law-abiding American citizens.”