WASHINGTON (AP) -- By JULIE PACE and ERICA WERNER Associated Press:
Without waiting for Congress, President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced a sweeping $500 million program to curb gun violence, setting up a fight over universal background checks and bans on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting.
KFDM will have extensive local reaction at noon, 5, 6 and 10.
Obama also used his presidential powers to issue 23 orders that don't require congressional approval. The largely incremental executive steps include requiring federal agencies to make more data available for background checks, appointing a fulltime director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and directing the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence.
But the president, speaking at the White House, acknowledged the most effective actions must be taken by lawmakers.
"To make a real and lasting difference, Congress must act," Obama said. "And Congress must act soon."
Obama was flanked by children who wrote him letters about gun violence in the weeks following the Newtown shooting. Families of the 20 children killed in the massacre, as well as survivors, were also in the audience along with law enforcement officers and members of Congress.
"This is our first task as a society, keeping our children safe," Obama said. "This is how we will be judged."
The president based his proposals on recommendations from an administration-wide task force led by Vice President Joe Biden.
President proposes sweeping new gun lawsRelated Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Cartel towns pose challenge for immigration reform
- Hundreds remember dead Texas cheerleader
- Texas police nab suspect in postal worker's death
- Texas bill would drastically revamp water agency
- Dallas suburb solar panel fight exposes problems
- Houston man shot in head trying to help woman
- Man shot dead at north Houston restaurant
- Memorial for dead Texas cheerleader set for Sunday
- Here is the latest Texas sports news from The Associated Press
- Winning numbers drawn in Powerball jackpot
- AP IMPACT: Military sex abuse victims seek VA help
- GOP ponders how to capitalize on Obama's woes
- Arias returns to court for penalty phase of trial
- Split-second choice ended with NY student dead
- BC ceremony notable for who will attend, who won't
- Civil rights trial on NYPD tactic closing
- NY town eyes limit on use of Plum Island
- United to restart 787 flights on Monday
- US gas prices up 11 cents over past 2 weeks
- 10 Things to Know for Monday
- Syrian state media: Regime troops deep in key town
- Aid group: Syrian refugees face dire health risks
- SKorea analyzing if 4 projectiles North Korea launched were missiles or artillery
- Syrian regime troops score gains, push into strategic rebel-held town near Lebanon
- Top Libyan official: Benghazi explosion accident
- Nigeria military: 17 killed during offensive
- Algerian editor accuses government of censorship
- Zimbabwe PM: We will end police, military abuse
- Pope: church should open up but follow teaching
- Russian TV: American accused of spying flies out
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
Asian stocks rise on signs of steady US recovery
BANGKOK (AP) -- Evidence of a steady economic recovery in the U.S. helped push Asian stock markets higher today.
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
TRACY MORGAN -- HOST BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Tracy Morgan says he has found his birth dad -- and he's Wayne Newton.
Get This
BRAS A FIRE HAZARD?
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- We haven't heard this much about the threat of bra burning since the days of the women's liberation movement.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: FINANCIAL TIMES SITS HACKED
LONDON (AP) -- Another attack on a media site -- and again, one that is being claimed by the Syrian Electronic Army.

