Brady Applauds Biden’s Executive Actions on Background Checks, Gun Industry Accountability, Other Actions

President Biden's Snnouncement Brings America as Close as Possible to Universal Background Checks Without the Urgently Needed Additional Legislation Necessary by Congress.

Washington, D.C., March 14, 2023 – President Joe Biden today announced several executive actions that would, among other things, expand use of the Brady Background Check system, improve awareness and increase use of extreme risk laws, and increase gun industry transparency and accountability. Brady for years has urged the federal government to release gun store inspection reports and violation data.

Brady President Kris Brown stated:

"These orders show yet again that the Biden Administration is working to explore every avenue they have to meaningfully address gun violence in ways no president has ever done before. President Biden’s executive orders will go a long way in preventing tragedies that kill over 40,000 people in America each year.

“While we ultimately can only achieve universal background checks through legislative action from Congress, President Biden's announcement today gets us closer to that reality than any other President that has come before. The majorities of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and gun owners alike support expanding Brady Background Checks for gun purchases. And because robust data shows background checks work — including by preventing mass shootings, gun suicide, and more — we know the President’s measure will save countless lives.

“Additionally, releasing records of gun industry violations will shine a light on licensed dealers and manufacturers that are unable or unwilling to follow the law, ensure that dangerous sellers are held accountable for their actions, and provide researchers and journalists important data on gun industry compliance and malpractices. For years, Brady has fought for - and won - the release of these records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Yet we have long advocated for ATF to cut through the red tape of the FOIA process and proactively and routinely release these inspection reports to the public. We are thrilled that President Biden has instructed ATF to do just that.

“We applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for their leadership and commitment to addressing the gun violence epidemic.”

Kris Brown is available for interview live, via phone, or Zoom, and can discuss:

• The historical lack of clarity as to the meaning of “engaged in the business" and its connection to our nation's background check system

• The effectiveness of background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and safe storage laws in preventing gun violence

• Proven public education efforts to reduce gun violence, like Brady’s nationally recognized End Family Fire program that reaches gun owners about safe firearm storage

• The elusiveness of gun store transparency and the importance of publicly available ATF data and gun store inspection reports

• How the Department of Defense can improve its procurement of firearms to further firearm and public safety practices, an issue Brady is leading on in California and across the country

• How gun manufacturers recklessly market firearms to minors all civilians, including through the use of military imagery