Obama tapping Biden to lead multi-agency gun violence policy review

Vice President Biden in March 2012 file photo AP


Sources confirm to CBS News correspondent Major Garrett that Mr. Obama is tasking Vice President Joe Biden, a longtime gun control advocate, with spearheading the effort.

In remarks from the White House on Wednesday, Mr. Obama will outline a process for pursuing policy changes following the school shooting, though he is not expected to call for specific measures.


The White House sees some urgency in formulating a policy response to the shooting, even as Mr. Obama and his top aides are consumed with averting the "fiscal cliff" before tax hikes and spending cuts take effect in January.


Many pro-gun lawmakers also have called for a greater focus on mental health issues and the impact of violent entertainment. Mr. Obama also prefers a holistic approach, with aides saying stricter gun laws alone are not the answer.




The White House has begun to signal that Mr. Obama may be more proactive on gun issues following the murders of the elementary school youngsters, ages 6 and 7.

Carney said Mr. Obama was "actively supportive" of legislation to reinstate a ban on assault-style weapons that expired in 2004. The president long has supported a ban, but exerted little effort to get it passed during his first term. Mr. Obama also would support closing a "gun show loophole" allowing people to buy arms from private dealers without background checks, and would be interested in legislation limiting high-capacity ammunition magazines, Carney said.

The policy process Mr. Obama was announcing Wednesday was expected to include input from the departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services. The heads of those agencies met with Mr. Obama at the White House Monday.



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