US President Joe Biden spoke out on gun control and urged Congress to take swift measures to end the “gun violence epidemic” in the country. “How much more carnage are we willing to accept”, Biden asked while speaking about the recent shootings in Uvalde and Buffalo.

In his address from the White House on Thursday, Biden urged lawmakers to roll out legislations that would refine the process of purchasing arms in the United States. These were previously described as “common sense” gun laws by the Biden administration.

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Biden’s requests on Thursday included a plea to restore limits on the sale of assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“Why in God’s name should an ordinary citizen be able to purchase an assault weapon that holds 30-round magazines, that let mass shooters fire hundreds of bullets in a matter of minutes?”, Biden asked while delivering the address.

Biden also proposed a series of solutions, which he later urged Congress to take up. These included tightening background checks, enacting safe storage and red flag laws, repealing gun-maker liability protections and addressing the mental health crisis.

The anger Biden witnessed during his recent visit to Uvalde, Texas also echoed in the White House speech. Faced with chants of “do something” as he departed a church service, the president pledged: “We will.”

Biden also outlined how the US Congress was divided on gun reform. The US House of Representatives has already approved expansive background checks legislation and is likely to turn to an assault weapons ban.

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The legislations, however, are expected to be blocked in the 50-50 split US Senate. Some Republicans are reportedly attempting to negotiate gun reforms. 

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said the group is “making rapid progress,” and Biden has spoken to Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, among those leading their party’s efforts on the issue.