Elected officials sound off on Obama's gun proposals

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - On the heels of President Barack Obama's executive orders and proposals for gun control, lawmakers speak out.
    
News 10, with help from your input, wanted to uncover how the congressmen you elected plan to approach the president's proposals.
    
It was a presidential decree.  President Obama’s plan of action for the future of gun laws in America.
    
What does an executive order do?

For that, we sat down with Indiana State Political Science Expert Dr. Matthew Bergower to find out.

"It is simply passed by the white house passed by the president usually directing an agency to do something spend money in a certain area,” he explained.
    
So that means the future of gun laws in America still rests our nation's Congress.

How do the men you've elected plan to approach the president's proposals?

We reached out to those very men to find out. Each congressman sent us statements on their thoughts.

Newly elected Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly said:

• "(I am) a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, and it is with that in mind that (I am) taking a look at the recommendations."

His colleague Senator Dan coats said:

• "I will not support legislation or executive actions that would affect gun ownership rights for law-abiding citizens, including any assault weapons ban.  "

Congressman Larry Bucshon said:

• "President Obama offered broad recommendations that lack specifics or real evidence that the actions he proposed will significantly reduce violence."

The consensus of all Indiana congressmen seems to be a wait-and-see strategy with an emphasis on protecting the second amendment. But, over in Illinois it was a somewhat different story.

"Both (senators) Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk are rated very low by the NRA and they are looking at ways to reduce guns in America,” Bergbower said.
    
But if you expect to see new gun laws right around the corner, think again.

"We’ve seen Congress act in the past, and it’s usually slow,” Berbower explained.

“Sometimes, it cases frustration, but we need to remember Congress is entertaining all options.  They're deliberating, trying to make compromises, they wanna get the best approach out there."
    
So, for now, the president has a decree that will need Congress's authority.