Obama: Senate Failed the American People on Gun Control

The President of the United States and the White House spokesperson sharply criticized the Senate on Tuesday, July 1, for not passing a proposal to impose stricter controls on the purchase, sale, and use of firearms in the country. Barack Obama tweeted, "Gun violence requires more than a minute of silence" and added, "We must take action. By failing this test, the Senate has failed the American people." Josh Earnest, the White House spokesperson, also told MSNBC that the Senate has presented a "shameful display of cowardice." On Monday, the U.S. Senate voted against four proposals aimed at controlling and restricting gun purchases. Of these four proposals, two were drafted by Republican senators and two by Democratic senators. The debate over gun purchasing, ownership, and carrying laws in the U.S. has reignited following the shooting at the Orlando gay club that left 49 dead. After this incident, which was the largest mass shooting in the U.S., several members from both the Republican and Democratic parties called for a review of gun sale laws. However, after the unsuccessful votes on Monday, and as reported by Reuters, the Senate has at least temporarily set aside the discussion on gun control and will focus on combating domestic violence, particularly inspired by groups like the Islamic State (ISIS). Among them, veteran Republican Senator John McCain proposed a plan that would give the FBI greater oversight capabilities for counter-terrorism investigations. Another Republican Senator, Susan Collins, is considering a proposal that would limit gun sales to individuals on terrorist watch lists. Reuters predicts that this proposal will also face opposition from the NRA, the powerful gun rights lobby in the U.S. The U.S. Constitution recognizes the right of citizens to own firearms.