After the Supreme Court’s decision, which he strongly disagreed with, to enhance gun owners’ rights, U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday signed the first significant federal gun regulation in three decades into law, Reuters reports.
“God willing, it’s going to save a lot of lives,” Biden said at the White House after signing the bill, joined by First Lady Jill Biden.
Just a few weeks had passed since horrific shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde claimed the lives of more than 30 individuals, including 19 kids at a primary school.
The legislation contains measures to assist states in preventing the possession of firearms by those regarded to be a risk to themselves or others.
The change was passed during the same week that the Supreme Court increased the rights of gun owners, stating on Thursday for the first time that carrying a pistol in public for self-defense is protected by the US Constitution.
With several attempts to enact additional restrictions on gun sales failing time and time again, gun control has long been a contentious subject in the country.
Prior to the Nov. 8 midterm elections for control of Congress, Biden, who is attempting to boost low public popularity ratings, included gaining gains on gun control in his message to voters.
The new law restricts the sale of firearms to those with domestic violence convictions and bans sales to anybody convicted of assaulting unmarried intimate partners. Additionally, it gives states that enforce “red flag” legislation meant to take away firearms from those judged dangerous to themselves and others new federal cash.
High-capacity magazines and assault-style weapon sales are not prohibited. However, it does advance background checks by making it possible to obtain data on serious youth offenses for the first time.
He announced that he will invite lawmakers and the families of gun violence victims for a White House celebration on July 11 to celebrate the passing of the gun safety measure.
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