Latest News:  

English>>World

Obama announces gun control task force headed by VP Biden

(Xinhua)

15:59, December 20, 2012

U.S. President Barack Obama (R), with Vice President Joe Biden at his side, speaks to the media at the White House briefing room in Washington D.C. on Dec. 19, 2012. Obama on Wednesday announced a gun control task force led by Vice President Joe Biden. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced a gun control task force led by Vice President Joe Biden. The inter-agency task force is charged with guiding the administration's continuing response to calls of gun control after the Newtown, Connecticut, massacre.

Obama made the announcement at the White House briefing room with Biden standing at his side. He said although conversation about stopping future shooting incidents has to continue, "words need to lead to action."

"The fact this problem is complex can no longer be excuse" for delaying action, said Obama, reiterating his pledge that he would "use all the powers of this office to help advance efforts aimed at preventing more tragedies like this."

Noting no single law or set of laws can prevent more gun violence, Obama stressed the importance of taking a holistic approach on the problem, including education and care for mental issues.

Obama promised the task force would make proposals for new laws and actions in January, and he would push the new gun control proposals in Congress.

"This is not some Washington commission" that will take six months and be shelved, Obama said of the effort to be spearheaded by Biden, a longtime gun control advocate who had spent decades in Congress.

In the first steps the administration takes after the Newtown tragedy, Biden will work with cabinet members and outside groups to formulate the recommendations, as the president called on Congress to reinstate an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 and to pass legislation that would close the gun show loophole, which allows people to purchase firearms without a background check.

A gunman stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtwon Friday, killing 20 kids and 6 adults, after killing his own mother at her residence. He committed suicide after the horrific shooting rampage.

We recommend:

The popular dances that drive people 'crazy'

Kim Jong Un inspects horse riding training ground

Heartbreaking children under war threat

N. Korea’s Kim visits Ministry of State Security

World's weirdest baths you cannot imagine

N. Korean’s real life through the lens

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:李想、张茜)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Snow Great Wall built by PLA soldiers

  2. Improved type-59 tanks in drill

  3. The first female president of S. Korea

  4. Christians warn against cult influence

  5. Photos: Our hopes in 2012

  6. FDI continues losing streak

  7. China launches TCM resource center

  8. Your Thailand,your amazing world

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. The laughter sounds too harsh
  2. Do not confuse Confucious with Santa Claus
  3. Losers' can flatter themselves in any culture
  4. Time to abandon Olympic obsession
  5. Lifting US' veil of 'peace defender'
  6. Be wary of 'peepers' in mobile phones
  7. Only local players represent future of CBA
  8. Abe 'must change' to build ties
  9. Gloomy markets defy expected growth
  10. Don't let Chinese characters be a world heritage

What’s happening in China

Beijing-Zhengzhou high-speed railway to start service on Dec. 26

  1. Young Chinese embrace foreign TV series
  2. China cracks down on doomsday rumor cult
  3. Boss jailed for a year for refusing to pay workers
  4. China will stick to family planning policy
  5. Chicken farms under investigation