Should the White House push for assault weapons ban?
Basil Smikle Jr and Brad Blakeman on what to expect from the Obama administration on this issue
President Obama is considering gun-control legislation that goes beyond reinstating a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition, sources tell The Washington Post.
The administration task force led by Vice President Joe Biden is considering such measures as universal background checks for gun buyers, a national gun database, strengthening mental-health checks and tougher penalties for people carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors, sources told the newspaper.
The possible changes follow the fatal shootings last month of 20 first-graders and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. The task force purportedly plans to submit recommendations to the president this month.
White House strategies to maneuver around powerful gun rights lobbyist the National Rifle Association include rallying support from Walmart and other gun retailers for measures that would benefit them. The strategies also purportedly include help and support of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an influential and increasingly strong voice on gun control.
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