Obama to order executive action on gun control

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama will meet with Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Monday to finalize executive actions on gun control to be released in the coming weeks, including a measure that expands background checks on gun sales.

Numerous news outlets are reporting the expanded background checks may involve requiring licensing for a broader range of small-scale gun sellers, narrowing weapons availability through the so-called gun show loophole. The president is expected to use his executive authority on several other areas, but the actions are not yet complete.

The measures could happen as soon as next week, when he returns from vacation in Hawaii, or ahead of his annual State of the Union address on January 12.

The White House would not comment on the timing or content of Obama's executive actions except to say it will happen at the beginning of the year. Obama addressed the issue in his weekly radio address.

"A few months ago, I directed my team at the White House to look into any new actions I can take to help reduce gun violence," he said. "And on Monday, I'll meet with our Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, to discuss our options."