WASHINGTON – The White House has begun reaching out to gun control advocates as it seeks to deliver on President Biden’s ambitious campaign promises on an issue that has long proved politically challenging for Democrats.
Leading up to the anniversary of the 2018 Parkland school shooting on Sunday, Mr Biden’s plans are getting new attention. The gun policy was not part of its first round of executive orders, but advocacy groups said they were encouraged by the White House outreach so far.
Domestic policy adviser Susan Rice and Cedric Richmond, the White House’s director of public engagement, spoke virtually with gun control groups on Wednesday, emphasizing their commitment to taking what they called “ common sense steps. ” Activists are pushing for legislative action, including a comprehensive background check bill, and for matters the president could pursue without the closely-divided Congress, including appointing a senior assistant tasked with overseeing gun policy and pushing for stricter enforcement of existing rules.
“I see. Covid should be the top priority – one through ten,” said Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter, Jamie, was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, killing 17 and more. once 17 were injured.
Mr. Guttenberg was part of a phone call Thursday with Mrs. Rice and Mr. Richmond and other Parkland families. After the hour and a half talk, he said, “I get the impression, even with more definitive clarity, that this is something they want to go out to.”