Conn. senators forward ideas to Biden about guns

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's two U.S. senators are forwarding a package of recommendations to Vice President Joe Biden, who is chairing a task force on policy changes in the wake of the deadly Newtown school shooting.

The two Democrats on Friday called for imposing an expanded assault weapons ban that includes a ban on high-capacity magazines.

They also want to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check system. They said many federal agencies do not report the necessary information and an estimated 40 percent of U.S. gun purchases are conducted without a check.

Other proposals include more funding for public mental health services, background checks for ammunition purchases, rules encouraging firearms manufacturers to make safer guns and federal tracking of guns.

Biden has promised to forward recommendations to President Barack Obama by Tuesday.