Cory Booker wants to start national gun licensing program, limit firearms purchases

Democratic presidential hopeful Cory Booker on Monday unveiled a sweeping plan to reduce gun violence that includes establishing a national gun licensing program, limiting individual purchases of firearms to one per month, and placing a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

The 14-point plan from the New Jersey senator, who has previously vowed to “bring a fight” to the National Rifle Association, will almost certainly face opposition from gun rights advocacy groups.

At the center of Booker’s plan is the call for gun licensing. Booker contends that if Americans need a license to drive a car they should also be required to have one to buy and possess a firearm. Currently, 13 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of licensing or permit rules before people can buy guns, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Washington state will begin requiring firearms safety certification permit on July 1 for individuals purchasing semi-automatic rifles.

“My plan to address gun violence is simple - we will make it harder for people who should not have a gun to get one,” Booker said.