President Barack Obama urged Americans to press Congress to support his proposals to tackle gun violence.
As he begins his second term, the president said in his weekly radio and Internet address that Americans should ask lawmakers why a good rating from the gun lobby is more important than keeping kids safe. He was referring to the powerful National Rifle Association, which opposes his new gun proposals.
The president said he's taking steps right away but Congress also must act. He's asking lawmakers to pass an assault-weapons ban, universal background checks and limits on high-capacity ammunition magazines.
In the Republican address, Oklahoma Rep. James Lankford focused on financial matters. He said any budget Congress approves must address government spending and debt.
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