The address will take place at 7:30 pm ET from the White House Cross Room. Biden plans discuss “the recent tragic mass shootings and need for Congress to act pass common sense laws combat epidemic of gun violence that takes lives every day,” the White House said. in announcing the speech.
Comments will be amount to Biden’s most powerful gun speech since the Texas elementary school massacre last a week.
Since then the line of additional mass shootings unfolded in states nationwide, including at Tulsa Medical Center, Oklahoma on Wednesday. This shooting left five dead including arrow.
in hours after the Texas massacre, Biden gave an emotional seven-minute speech at the White House, citing repeated gun killings of Americans are sick.
“Why? Why are we ready live with this carnage? Why do we keep letting this happen?” he asked.
Since then, however, Biden has only intervened selectively in the debate. over gun control, stop of approval of any specific legislative action to prevent further slaughter.
On Wednesday, the president expressed scant optimism that Congress would agree on new gun control legislation even as a bipartisan group of senators meet to weigh options.
“I served in Congress for 36 years. I was never completely sure,” Biden said when asked if he believed lawmakers would agree on new gun laws.
“It depends. So I don’t know”, – said Biden. – I was not in negotiations as they go on right now.”
The sluggish response was a sign that Biden is wary of too close connection with nascent efforts on capitol hill in arrive in gun control compromise.
Although Biden said on Tuesday that he would speak with gun lawmakers, the White House later said it would only get involved when the time was right.
Both Biden and his advisers suggested they had exhausted their options. options on anti-weapon executive action, but keep exploring the possibilities for unilateral action.
“There is a constitution. I cannot dictate such things. I can do what I have done, and any executive action that I can take, I will continue to take. But I can’t outlaw guns, I can’t change background checks. I can’t do it,” he said on Monday.
Performance the day after comforting families in Texas, Biden expressed limited hope that some Republicans, like Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and one of his main allies, Senator John Cornyn of Texas, you can convince support some type of new gun laws.
“I don’t know, I think there is awareness on part of rational Republicans, and I think McConnell is a rational Republican, Cornin too. There is a confession on for their part they cannot continue like this,” he said.
McConnell instructed Cornyn begin negotiation with democrats on some type of law to prevent further mass shootings, although discussions are still in their preliminary steps.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat from Connecticut who participated in bipartisan meeting on Wednesday on gun safety, he and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said. in negotiation over changes to red flag laws, and there are still “significant” work do.
Senators are considering strengthening state laws to allow authorities to seize guns from people deemed criminals. risk, known as red flag laws.
Blumenthal called the conversation “productive and encouraging” and said the negotiators “everyone speaks differently”. times day.”
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she would introduce a bill to ban military-style assault weapons. floor next week as camera moves to address gun violence.
This story was updated with additional reporting.
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