Obama unveils gun control measures

US President sees tough fight to get Congress’ approval

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama urged a reluctant Congress to require background checks for all gun sales and ban both military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines in an emotion-laden plea to curb gun violence in America, though he acknowledged he’s in for an uphill battle.

The president’s sweeping, US$500mil (RM1.5bil) plan, coming one month after the school massacre in Connecticut, marks the most comprehensive effort to tighten gun laws in nearly two decades.

But his proposals, most of which are opposed by the powerful National Rifle Association and its allies in Washington, face a doubtful future in a divided Congress where Republicans control the House of Representatives.

Seeking to circumvent at least some opposition, Obama signed 23 executive actions on Wednesday, including orders to make more federal data available for background checks and end a freeze on government research on gun violence.

But he acknowledged that the steps he took on his own would have less impact than the broad measures requiring approval from Congress.

“To make a real and lasting difference, Congress, too, must act,”

To make a real and lasting difference, Congress, too, must act. — BARACK OBAMA

Obama said, speaking at a White House ceremony with school children and their parents. “And Congress must act soon.” The president’s announcements capped a swift and wide-ranging effort, led by Vice-President Joe Biden, to respond to the deaths of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

But Obama’s gun control proposals set him up for a tough political fight with Congress as he starts his second term, when he’ll need Republican support to meet three looming fiscal deadlines and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Many Democrats say an assault weapons ban faces the toughest road in Congress.

The president is also likely to face opposition to his call for Congress to limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds.

But Democrats are hopeful they can build consensus around the president’s call for universal background checks. — AP

— AP Pushing for reform: Obama, accompanied by Biden, gesturing as he talks about proposals to reduce gun violence in the South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington.