Obama to propose assault weapons ban

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama said he will outline sweeping new gun control proposals this week, including an assault weapons ban.

The Washington Post reported a Wednesday announcement has been set with Obama proposing a renewal of the assault weapons ban in addition to outlawing high-capacity magazine clips and requiring universal background checks for all gun purchases.

The announcement is likely to cause controversy on Capitol Hill, especially in a Republican-led House of Representatives that's protective of Second Amendment rights.

Obama's announcement is also expected to include 19 executive actions the president can order within existing laws, the Post said.