The Biden administration has taken a significant step in the fight against gun violence by approving the broadest expansion of federal background checks in decades. This new rule, set to take effect in a month, will require anyone selling guns for profit, including at gun shows and through private sellers, to register as a federally licensed firearms dealer and conduct background checks on potential buyers.
The goal of this regulation is to close the so-called gun show loophole, which has allowed unlicensed private sellers to legally sell firearms without background checks. This loophole has contributed to illegal gun cases, with four in 10 involving unregulated sales. By expanding the number of federal firearms licensees, the administration aims to bring legitimate sellers into the regulatory system and crack down on brokers who traffic in criminal gun sales.
Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of this new rule, stating that it addresses a significant gap in the federal background check system and has the potential to save countless lives. The A.T.F. director, Steven M. Dettelbach, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of protecting law-abiding Americans and upholding the rule of law.
While the administration believes the new regulation is legally sound, it is likely to face legal challenges from groups opposed to gun control measures. However, this move represents a significant achievement for the administration in its efforts to combat gun violence and protect communities from the devastating impact of illegal firearms.