国际英语新闻:U.S. House Democrats unveil gun-control proposals

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House Democrats on Thursday unveiled a set of 14 gun-control proposals broadly similar to the White House package after the December massacre of 20 schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut.

In a press conference at their annual retreat in Virginia, the congressional group announced their agenda, including key proposals by the White House: a universal background check system for gun purchases, a ban on high-capacity magazines and a renewal of the lapsed assault weapons ban.

The group's proposals also include pushing for steps to crack down on gun trafficking and straw purchases and to boost school safety, gun safety training and mental health programs.

As the minority in the House, Democrats must wait for Republicans to allow a vote on gun legislation, but party leaders vowed that a significant majority of their caucus was broadly supportive of the recommendations, the Hill reported.

"There's a small window here to get something done," Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said.

Days ahead of his second-term inauguration, Obama unveiled a sweeping package of gun violence reduction proposals, a month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting. The December massacre that killed 26 people including 20 schoolchildren has renewed the nationwide debate on gun-control necessity.

Earlier this week, Obama also embarked on a campaign-style push for more gun control, aiming at generating more public support to urge Congress to move on the long-time divisive issue in the country.