Time for Presidential Boldness

Yes, President Clinton took a big step Tuesday when he signaled he will impose new limits on the influx of foreign-made assault weapons into this country. But if he intends his directive to close an egregious loophole in the 1994 federal assault gun ban, it should be comprehensive, not only barring future imports that evade the spirit of the law but also any shipments that have already been given import permits. The second-term president has nothing to lose by standing up to the gun lobby on this issue.

His planned crackdown on the importation of modified assault weapons from 15 countries comes in response to determined efforts by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to staunch the flow of these guns. Some 35,000 assault guns entered this country in the past two years, according to the White House. These guns differ only cosmetically from models already banned under federal law, and they are no less deadly.

Though the White House has announced he will sign the directive in the coming days, Clinton may, sadly, be willing to compromise on its scope. He will ask the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to study how some 30 foreign-made modified assault rifles are being used. That study clearly seems an excuse not to act more boldly now.

Feinstein in a letter urged Clinton to temporarily halt the importation of all assault weapons, even those with valid federal import permits, pending the study’s findings. That move, entirely within the president’s executive authority, would be the far more responsible course and would prevent entry from Israel of several thousand modified Uzi and Galil firearms--what Feinstein calls “the weapon of choice for grievance killers.” Wednesday, four House members sent their own letter urging more aggressive action.

The president will get no credit for this compromise from the National Rifle Assn., which as usual sees the planned directive as evidence of a conspiracy to disarm lawful gun owners. But if he chooses to move more forcefully, he probably will have overwhelming public support. In poll after poll, Americans have agreed strongly on the need for tough limits on assault weapons.

Before the ink dries on his directive, Clinton should rethink any compromise.