Biden Outlines Gun Checks Order as He Implores Congress to Act

President Joe Biden on Tuesday detailed a new executive order aimed at increasing background checks on gun purchases, an effort to address gun violence even as the prospects for further legislation in Congress remain dim.

Biden framed the order as an interim solution and implored lawmakers to approve universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons during an event in Monterey Park, California, where a gunman killed 11 people in January.

“Let’s be clear. None of this absolves Congress from the responsibility of acting to pass universal background checks,” said Biden. “Let’s finish the job. Ban assault weapons. Do ...