In an aggressive bid to tighten gun regulations, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled a final rule on Tuesday, aimed at expanding background checks for firearms purchases. This move enforces the recently enacted Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a legislation seen as one of the most significant gun control measures since the Brady Bill of 1993. The Administration's decisive step is designed to curb the sale of guns by unlicensed sellers, a practice that has slipped through legal loopholes for far too long.

President Biden stated, "I've spent hours with families who've lost loved ones to gun violence," revealing to the White House, "Today, my Administration is taking action to make sure fewer guns are sold without background checks." The Administration believes that addressing this gap in federal background check laws can save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, felons, and underage individuals.

The new rule outlined by the Department of Justice (DOJ) aims to eliminate the ambiguity over what constitutes dealing firearms, thereby providing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with improved enforcement tools. Identified patterns, such as quickly reselling firearms and advertising availability to procure more guns for buyers, will now mandate licensing and background checks for sellers.

Vice President Harris, spearheading the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, took a strong stance, saying "Every year, thousands of unlicensed gun dealers sell tens of thousands of guns without a background check." In her eyes, announced via the same statement, targeting these sellers is pivotal for preventing firearms from reaching those who could wreak havoc.

The Administration's efforts also encompass a crackdown on "straw purchasing" and ghost gun manufacturers. To this effect, ATF has launched five new strike forces to thwart firearms trafficking channels feeding into major cities. With more than 300 people charged under the new federal gun trafficking law, and over 1,500 firearms seized, the commitment to combating gun-related crimes is evident.

Even with these advancements, the President and Vice President persist in urging Congress to further tighten the noose on gun control, by enacting universal background checks to "finish the job." Meanwhile, the proposal for a $2 billion budget for ATF reflects their dedication to upscaling the agency’s pivotal role in mitigating gun violence. This collective action could be a game-changer in America's long-standing battle with gun crime.