Inauguration Day 2013 comes in Washington, D.C. with a major debate looming on Capitol Hill about new gun control regulations following last month’s shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
“We have to find common ground,” said Third District Congressman Nick Rahall. “And I believe there is more upon which we can agree on this issue than that which we may disagree.”
The debate, though, which is expected to get started in the U.S. Senate this week, could be contentious.
Last week, President Barack Obama signed 23 executive orders dealing with gun regulations and proposed several measures that will need Congressional approval to become law.
Those proposals include a crackdown on gun trafficking, universal background checks for every gun sale and bans on military style assault weapons and high capacity magazines.
Congressman Rahall says he is currently reviewing President Obama’s proposals.
“This is a wide ranging problem. It’s bigger and it’s broader than just guns and we should not be finger pointing at any group or any one cause. We should be trying to work together,” he said.
The Congressman says the issue cannot be about politics.
“It’s important that we come together in a fair and balanced manner without finger pointing for any political gain on this issue. It’s just too vital to the future of our children and our country,” Congressman Rahall said.
A group called “Guns Across America” organized rallies, calling for the protection of the rights of gun owners, in West Virginia and 48 other states.