President Barack Obama proposed a new assault weapons ban and mandatory background check for those who wish to purchase a gun this week as the U.S. government continues to try to find ways to make the country safer.
Obama presented his proposal at a White House event in front of an audience that included some relatives of the 20 first-graders who were killed during the Newtown school massacre on Dec. 14. Six adults were also murdered by gunman Adam Lanza according to NBCNEWS.com.
His proposal will reportedly cost about $500 million according to The Wall-Street Journal.
"This is our first task as a society, keeping our children safe," said Obama in during his proposal. "This is how we will be judged. And their voices should compel us to change. I will put everything I've got into this, but the only way we can change is if the American people demand it."
Approximately 23 executive actions have been approved by Obama, including providing incentives to schools who hire health counselors and police officers. Obama has also decided to require the federal government to trace weapons recovered in criminal investigations.
Congress will also determine if certain types of weapons and high-capacity magazines should be banned in the U.S. The National Rifle Association has stated while they don't feel Congress will pass legislation to ban high-capacity magazines and specific semiautomatic weapons, the President's decision will be met with "strong opposition."
"Attacking firearms and ignoring children is not a solution to the crisis we face as a nation. Only honest, law-abiding gun owners will be affected and our children will remain vulnerable to the inevitability of more tragedy," the NRA said in a press statement according to The Wall-Street Journal.
Obama hopes to renew a prohibition on assault weapons sales that expired in 2004, and all criminal background checks for gun purchases will include closing loopholes for gun show sales and a new gun trafficking law.
Obama is also hoping to provide $10 million for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study what causes gun violence, and if it has anything to do with the media and violent video games.
"The most important changes we can make depend on Congressional action," Obama said. "They need to bring these proposals up for a vote and the American people need to make sure that they do."
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