Utah: Mike Lee, Orrin Hatch, Chris Stewart respond to Obama’s gun control move
President Obama announced executive actions for “common sense” gun control on Tuesday which include clarification of an existing law on background checks and gun dealer registration as well as new investments in mental health and gun safety research.
Utah lawmakers reacted strongly the president’s gun control order. Senator Orrin Hatch, (R-Utah) issued the following statement and says the president is making a mistake: “The President is making a mistake by pushing for executive action to limit Americans’ constitutional rights. Important discussions about our fundamental freedoms are best suited for the legislative process, and once again, President Obama would rather play politics than take the time to make sound policy, based on consensus, that can succeed in both preserving Americans’ cherished rights and keeping us safe.”
Utah Senator Mike Lee
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said he is “disappointed” in the Obama Administration for “misleading” the American people on gun control.
“It is unfortunate that President Obama chose to mislead the American people today by claiming to close supposed “loopholes” in existing law that never existed,” Lee said. “People engaged in the business of selling firearms had to perform background checks on all purchasers before today, and they still have to perform those same background checks tomorrow.”
Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) said he is concerned with the president’s method of issuing another executive action.
“While I am still reviewing the proposed executive action, I am very troubled that this president continues to ignore the Constitutional role of Congress by pursuing yet another set of executive actions. The silver lining is that just like any executive action, this one could be rescinded if it doesn’t have the support of the American people.”
“I continue to hope this president will respect the proper role of Congress in crafting legislation. I am not optimistic. It may be a long year.”
In his speech, the president also blasted the gun lobby, particularly the National Rifle Association, and insisted that his actions are “not a plot to take away everybody’s guns.”
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