Obama steps up gun control efforts

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama Friday called on supporters to help pass gun control laws that would ban the sale of military-style assault weapons.

Obama posted a video on the White House website Friday appealing to gun control supporters.

"Like the majority of Americans, I believe that the 2nd Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms," Obama said. But "I am also betting that the majority -- the vast majority -- of responsible, law-abiding gun owners would be some of the first to say that we should be able to keep an irresponsible, law-breaking few from buying a weapon of war."

Obama's gun control measures include banning the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips, as well as requiring background checks for all gun purchases, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Congress should take steps that "protect our rights and protect our kids," Obama said.