On Tuesday, President Biden is scheduled to announce an executive order that will aim to increase the number of background checks conducted before gun sales, with a focus on cracking down on firearms dealers who violate federal law.
The executive order, which will be unveiled during Biden's visit to Monterey Park, Calif., seeks to move the U.S. closer to a system of universal background checks for all gun sales without the need for legislation from Congress. While Biden has called for Congress to pass universal background checks, it's unlikely that such legislation will pass in the GOP-controlled House.
The executive order will direct Attorney General Merrick Garland to ensure that gun sellers who violate existing law, either willfully or unknowingly, comply with background check requirements. The White House has released a fact sheet with this information.
The President plans to request that the Attorney General create and execute a strategy to stop former federally licensed firearms dealers whose licenses have been revoked or surrendered from selling guns.
Additionally, the executive order will increase the application of "red flag laws," which permit a judge to confiscate a firearm from someone who is suspected of using it to harm themselves or others. Biden will instruct members of his Cabinet to collaborate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to promote the effective application of red flag laws in states that have them. Moreover, Cabinet members will be instructed to expand existing federal initiatives that promote secure storage of guns.
The executive order also aims to strengthen efforts to hold the gun industry accountable and speed up law enforcement attempts to identify and apprehend shooters. Biden will direct Garland to make records available to the public so that policymakers and the public can access information about federally licensed gun dealers who are violating the law.
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