Jordy Yager
The Hill
President Obama in his weekly address urged both chambers of Congress to hold a vote on a series of gun-control measures, including the controversial assault weapons ban and a limit on magazine sizes.
“These ideas shouldn’t be controversial — they’re common sense,” Obama said. “They’re supported by a majority of the American people. And I urge the Senate and the House to give each of them a vote.”
Referencing the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 20 children and six adults three months ago, Obama on Saturday also pressed lawmakers to pass legislation that would make it harder for criminals and people with mentally illnesses to buy guns by expanding the national background check system.
“Right now, we have a real chance to reduce gun violence in America, and prevent the very worst violence,” he said. “We have a unique opportunity to reaffirm our tradition of responsible gun ownership, and also do more to keep guns out of the hands of criminals or people with a severe mental illness.