Gun control proponent Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., who met with Biden on Jan. 14, said the president also is likely to take executive action to ensure better state reporting of mental health and other records that go into the federal background check database. But he, too, acknowledged there were clear limits to what Obama can do without Congress’ say-so.
“You can’t change the law through executive order,” Scott said.
White House officials signaled that Obama would seek to rally public support for the measures he puts forward, perhaps holding events around the country or relying on Organizing for America, his still-operational presidential campaign.
Still, it’s unclear how much political capital Obama will exert in pressing for congressional action.
The White House and Congress soon will be consumed by three looming fiscal deadlines. And the president has pledged to tackle comprehensive immigration reform early this year, another effort that will require Republicans’ support and one in which Obama might be more likely to get their backing.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has warned the White House that it will be at least three months before the Senate considers gun legislation. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has said immigration, not gun control, is at the top of his priority list after the fiscal fights.
House Republican leaders are expected to wait for any action by the Senate before deciding how—or whether—to proceed with any gun measure.
Publicly, House GOP leaders are being careful not to rule anything out ahead of Obama’s announcement. Privately, however, they voiced skepticism that the debate will even get to the point of Senate action that would require a response by the House.
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