Biden Ramps Up Meetings with Groups About Gun Violence
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Joe Raedle/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Vice President Joe Biden, cabinet members and senior staff are preparing to hold meetings this week with a number of groups focused on the problem of gun violence.
Officials in the vice president’s office say Biden will hold meetings with victims’ groups and gun-safety organizations on Wednesday, and he will meet with advocates for sportsmen and women and gun ownership groups on Thursday.
In addition to such groups, Biden will meet with representatives from the entertainment and video game industries and hold conference calls with elected officials across the country.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan is set to meet with teacher, parent and education groups, while Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will meet with mental health and disability advocates. Senior staff will continue to meet with a wide array of groups working on gun control.
Officials in the vice president’s office say Biden will make recommendations to the president about how to proceed with new gun legislation shortly after he concludes the meetings with the groups.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is a major supporter of new gun legislation, told reporters on Monday that his office is advising Biden’s task force, which was formed in the wake of the massacre last month at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
The Washington Post reported this weekend that Biden’s task force is considering a broader approach to gun legislation than simply reinstating the assault weapon ban.
Some of the options under consideration include a comprehensive background check program, a more in-depth national database for the sale of weapons, creating stronger penalties for people who carry guns near schools and developing stronger mental-health check programs.
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