Eric Swalwell on Gun Control

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/us/politics/eric-swalwell-gun-control.html

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Representative Eric Swalwell of California has made gun control the signature issue of his campaign.

Mr. Swalwell this month released an eight-part plan to end gun violence.

Several candidates have called for a ban on assault weapons, but Mr. Swalwell’s plan goes further. He calls for a mandatory nationwide buyback program for assault weapons and suggests that the government criminally prosecute anyone who refuses to comply.

Like other proposals, Mr. Swalwell’s plan also seeks to close loopholes that allow domestic abusers to possess guns; implement more widespread background checks on gun buyers; create a federal licensing program for gun owners; and allow people to sue gun manufacturers.

His plan calls for additional investment in education, after-school programs and other community-level initiatives aimed at assisting the neighborhoods most affected by gun violence.

Mr. Swalwell has sought to stand out in the crowded Democratic field by making gun control his top policy priority.

His first major event as a candidate was a town hall near Parkland, Fla. In recent weeks, he has conducted a national listening tour on gun violence.

Gun control policy has long been considered something of a land mine for the left.

Repeated attempts over the years to enact federal universal background checks for new gun purchases have failed.

The current field of Democratic candidates have engaged with the issue more readily than past candidates, which could make it harder for Mr. Swalwell to distinguish himself.