At a White House announcement on January 16, President Obama unveiled the Administration’s proposals to curb gun violence in America: 23 Executive actions that the President signed off on immediately, and a number of measures that he will send to Congress next week. The proposals are based on the recommendations of Vice President Joe Biden’s task force on gun safety, formed after the December school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

Major components of the President’s package include:

• A ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Congressional action is required to change the law, and Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA-D) is introducing legislation to reinstate a version of the assault weapons ban that was in effect from 1994 until 2004, when it was allowed to expire. The issue is sure to be controversial, however, as there is substantial disagreement over what constitutes an “assault weapon,” with some arguing that it may be impossible for Congress to come up with a comprehensive definition. The President is also asking Congress to limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds and to ban the use of armor-piercing ammunition by anyone other than the military and law enforcement ― a proposal that is expected to garner more support than the assault weapons ban.

• Universal background checks for all firearms sales. Congressional action will be needed to strengthen the law to cover sales originating from gun shows and other private sellers (which studies show represent 40 percent of all gun sales).  Currently, only federally licensed firearms dealers are required to run background checks on individuals purchasing guns.  The Administration also plans to increase incentives for States to report and share information on those prohibited from gun ownership. Some moderate Members of Congress have indicated that they will support these proposals.

•  Gun violence research. The Administration is directing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other scientific agencies to conduct research into the causes and prevention of gun violence. Starting in the mid-1980s, the CDC engaged in such research, but in 1996, Congress stipulated that none of the funds made available to that agency could be used “to advocate or promote gun control” and cut the equivalent appropriation from CDC’s budget. The presidential directive also calls on Congress to provide funds for the CDC to investigate the relationship between violence and the media.

•  School safety. The White House is taking Executive action to provide incentives for schools to hire resource officers and counselors and to purchase appropriate safety equipment. The plan also calls on Congress to provide funding for grants to States to help school districts shore up emergency management plans. This part of the package is not expected to face significant opposition.

• Mental Health Services. A new initiative, called Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education), will provide training for teachers and others who work with youth to detect mental illness and make sure treatment is available for those who need it. The Administration will also issue final regulations to ensure mental health coverage under private plans and Medicaid. Those who oppose gun control measures favor increased emphasis on mental health.

The Senate is expected to act first on the proposals, with the Judiciary Committee playing a major role. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), who chairs the committee, has scheduled the first hearing on gun violence issues for January 30.

As the debate heats up, look for comprehensive coverage in Congressional Digest  on the President’s package and lawmakers’ response.