GUN CONTROL DEBATE Manchin Says Congress Should Not Be Bypassed Through President's Executive Orders
Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: Matt Durrett
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: Jan. 15, 2013 5:34 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 16, 2013 11:30 AM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
After receiving recommendations from a task force led by Vice President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama is poised to act on at least some of the 19 options presented to him.
"If there is a step we can take that can save even one child from what happened in Newtown we should take that step," President Barack Obama said.
However, critics of the president say they are concerned that Obama will use the power of executive orders to institute sweeping changes, bypassing congress in the process.
That's led a republican lawmaker from Texas to threaten impeachment proceedings against the president should he impose his will from the Oval Office.
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin isn't going that far, but he says congress should have a say in the matter.
"I don't think congress should be bypassed when there's decisions that affect the American public. Period," Manchin said.
Aggressive enforcement of existing laws, limits on high capacity magazines and an assault weapons ban are all being considered by the president. Senator Manchin says no matter what direction the country takes, it's important senators and representatives be a part of the debate.
"That's why we're there. Then...let's change our government," Manchin said. "And our founding fathers were pretty sharp when they put this thing together. It's worked for over 200 years maybe we can make it work a little longer."
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Kennie Bass
