President Obama’s executive order on gun control is drawing both praise and criticism from Kentucky’s congressional members.
Democratic U.S. Representative John Yarmuth supports expanding background checks to gun shows and websites.
"We know background checks will stop some people who should not have guns from getting those guns," Yarmuth told WKU Public Radio. "More than two million have been stopped in the last decade or so."
Still, Yarmuth said there are too many loopholes in existing gun laws. He’d like to see added protections such as a ban on assault rifles and longer waiting periods for gun buyers.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell doubts the president’s action will have much impact on gun violence.
"I think existing gun control laws that we have in this country, which this administration has by and large done a very poor job of enforcing, would be the best way forward," added McConnell.
During a stop in his home state this week , McConnell said he expects legal challenges to the President’s executive orders. The Louisville Republican says more Americans are wanting to defend themselves rather than having more restrictions on guns. Congressman Yarmuth counters that the president’s executive orders will have no impact on law-abiding citizens.
