Obama demands stricter gun control laws

President Barack Obama signed 23 executive orders urging for stricter gun control Wednesday.

The orders include proposed background checks on all gun sales and bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which were used in the Newtown, Conn., shootings.

Indiana Congressional Representatives made their statements.

Rep. Todd Young, R-9th District, released a statement via Facebook and his website
“The 2nd Amendment right of American citizens to keep and bear arms has been clearly upheld by the Supreme Court as an explicitly individual right. While I can support measures to keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals, I will not support any legislation that infringes on the ability of law-abiding citizens to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed right to legal gun ownership. Hasty action by Congress will not prevent gun violence, and the White House readily admits their proposals will not end it. If we hope to stop another tragedy like Sandy Hook, then it must be through deliberative action that makes it harder for criminals to get guns, and easier for those who need mental health care to access it. The vast majority of gun owners are neither criminals nor mentally unsound, and limiting their ability to buy or posses firearms will do little to solve our real problems.”

Rep. Todd Rokita, R-4th District, made a statement in a press release
“More laws and regulations will not and cannot stop evil — only strong families and communities can. Instead of focusing on the real reasons for criminal and violent activity, the White House wants to restrict the rights of conscientious, patriotic and responsible gun owners who, quite often, deter violent criminals. I will pursue each and every constitutionally-available means to stop new gun control measures from taking effect and will help lead the conversation in the halls of Congress, where such debates ought to be held, on what should be done to protect our communities and our Constitution.”

Rep. Luke Messer, R-6th District, made a statement in a press release
“The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms from being infringed. I will defend this constitutional bedrock against the unwarranted assaults the president announced  today.

“The president’s attempt to circumvent Congress to implement part of his gun grab should concern all Americans, regardless of whether they own a firearm. These proposals should be carefully considered by Congress and not rushed through by a president who is unwilling or not interested in working with the representatives of the people.

“Our entire nation mourns the terrible loss of life that occurred in Connecticut last month. In response, we need a serious discussion about how we treat mental health in our country. I am ready and willing to work together on real solutions, like improving school security and determining how we best identify and treat the people who carry out such evil acts.

“But, gun bans are not the answer. History shows that gun bans keep guns away from law-abiding citizens, not criminals.”

Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-8th District, made a statement in a press release
“President Obama offered broad recommendations today that lack specifics or real evidence that the actions he proposed will significantly reduce violence. I believe we need to have a broader conversation about the causes and cures of violence in our society. More emphasis should be placed on addressing mental health issues and how to get proper treatment for those who suffer from mental illness. We should be addressing the poor economic situation some of our citizens are in as well as the illegal drug epidemic we are facing, instead of playing politics. Creating new laws while we can’t enforce the current laws is simply expanding government for no reason.”

Rep. André Carson, D-7th District, made a statement in a press release
“President Obama put forth today a bold set of proposals to help address gun violence in this nation — violence that steals lives every single day .... He believes, as I do, that Americans should be able to own and collect guns and use them for self-defense, hunting or sport shooting.

 “For now, I can say with certainty that Congress must act on legislation that closes loopholes and requires background checks on all gun sales. We must also do our part to ensure serious penalties for gun traffickers who help arm criminals.”

— Anu Kumar