White House Draws Up Broad Post-Newtown Gun-Control Agenda
January 6, 2013 09:03:56 am
The White House is weighing proposal on guns backed by key law enforcement leaders that would reinstate the ban on assault-style weapons, require universal background checks for firearm buyers, track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database, strengthen mental health checks, and stiffen penalties for carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors, the Washington Post reports.
Advocates are developing strategies to overcome opposition by the National Rifle Association that could include rallying support from Wal-Mart and other gun retailers for measures that would benefit their businesses. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg who could emerge as a powerful surrogate for the Obama administration’s agenda. The proposals are being written by a group headed by Vice President Joe Biden after the December Newtown, Ct., school massacre. Once Obama’s proposals are set, he plans to lead a public-relations offensive to generate popular support.