Lawmakers react to gun law changes

DAYTON (WDTN) - President Obama announced plans on Wednesday to fight back against gun violence in America. He pressed Congress to pass the most comprehensive set of gun control measures in U.S. history.
    
The plan includes 23 executive actions which do not require Congressional approval.

Immediately after the plan was revealed local lawmakers started weighing in.

A spokesperson from Speaker John Boehner's office told 2 NEWS, "House committees of jurisdiction will review these recommendations. And if the Senate passes a bill, we will also take a look at that."

Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican representing the 4th District, said in a statement, "We all want to curtail gun violence in this country, but placing more limits on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens will not solve the problem. In finding ways to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and the mentally ill, we must protect the freedoms guaranteed by the Second Amendment."  

The strongest support came from Senator Sherrod Brown who called the reform "long-overdue".

"It's now time for Congress to renew the assault weapons ban, a common-sense effort to prevent the proliferation of deadly, high-powered weapons, and close the gun show loophole that prevents background checks from being conducted to ensure guns are purchased lawfully," said Brown. "We should also work to reduce the stigma attached to mental health treatment and make sure it is available to those who need it."