White House press secretary Jen Psaki didn’t directly answer a question Thursday about whether the administration believes Congress will actually pass legislation expanding federal background checks for firearm purchases.
Two recent bills on the topic passed the House in March but have since stalled in the Senate.
Psaki, speaking shortly after President Joe Biden announced a host of executive actions aimed at curtailing gun violence in the country, told CBS’ Ed O’Keefe “the president is going to lead the analysis of what is viable and doable to all of you and certainly” but added that “he is not vote counting himself.” (RELATED: Biden Unveils Gun Control Executive Actions During Rose Garden Address)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 08: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during an event on gun control in the Rose Garden at the White House April 8, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“He is also clear about challenges in moving forward with legislation that the Senate,” she continued. “He will continue to advocate for that just as he did today, this morning in the Rose Garden surrounded by some of the bravest and most courageous advocates for gun control, gun safety legislation in the country. He also is not going to wait.”
O’Keefe further pressed the press secretary on how the administration will conduct outreach to lawmakers on gun control legislation, to which Psaki responded “I certainly would anticipate the president will arrange conversations with members of Congress.”
“I can assure you where this is appropriate, for members of the administration in the White House and otherwise to communicate with members of Congress that will certainly continue to be at the top of our list.”
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