U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart says he will form the Southern Illinois Gun Task Force after President Barack Obama unveiled sweeping proposals for curbing gun violence.
The Democrat from Belleville says he will convene stakeholders across Illinois' 12th District to talk about protecting gun owners, mental health concerns and reducing gun violence. The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Enyart said Wednesday that it is "essential that our southern Illinois values are protected."
Obama is urging Congress to pass universal background checks and bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Obama also used his presidential powers to enact 23 measures that don't require the backing of lawmakers.
Enyart says it's "disappointing" Obama chose to use executive orders.
