A House Republican lawmaker has proposed censuring President Barack Obama for trying to tighten rules governing certain handgun sales.

Mississippi congressman Steve Palazzo says the president’s effort to try to expand background checks to cover more sales of guns between private parties are “just the latest, if not most egregious, violation of the separation of powers” by Obama.

Obama’s moves earlier this week are expected to have a modest impact, at best, on gun sales. But they have stirred up advocates on both sides of the issue.

Censure is a disapproval resolution that’s well short of impeachment and possible removal from office. Still, Palazzo’s move faces long odds. Speaker Paul Ryan said earlier this week that Obama’s efforts are a “distraction.”

(AP)