House Democrats to unveil gun control package; mirrors Obama's

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/07/us-usa-guns-democrats-idUSBRE9160YN20130207

(Reuters) - Democrats in the House of Representatives will unveil a proposal on Thursday to combat gun violence, including a bid to ban assault weapons, party sources said.

In addition to outlawing semi-automatic assault weapons and imposing limits on high-capacity ammunition clips, the House Democrat package, like one advanced by Democratic President Barack Obama, would require that all gun buyers be subject to background checks and provide for improvements in mental health services.

All these proposals - except for those concerning mental health - will face obstacles in the Republican-led House.

House Democratic leaders, joined by members of the chamber's gun violence task force, are planning to announce the package after a visit to their three-day retreat in Virginia by Obama, who has made gun control a top priority in his second term.

<more>