(NECN/NBC News: Tracie Potts, Washington) - The White House is shifting its focus to gun control, trying to keep the momentum for stricter laws after the Connecticut school shooting.
Republicans have warned that - with the debt ceiling and "fiscal cliff part 2" looming - gun control may end up on the back burner.
Wednesday, advocates for gun control would make their case at the White House, after the President pushed for action on Capitol Hill.
The White House is on a fast track - Vice President Biden would meet with gun control advocates and victims' families Wednesday, and the National Rifle Association Thursday.
"He doesn't want to prejudge any recommendations that any stakeholder might present," said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.
Parents, teachers and mental health groups would meet with the administration later in the week with new policies ready-to-go by the end of the month.
"We cannot have a long conversation about this. We've got to have action and we've got to have action quickly or it WILL fade," said Sarah Brady of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
Politics
The momentum after the Connecticut school shooting may already be fading. The Senate's top Republican says the debt and spending must come first. It could be Spring before Congress deals with gun control.
Advocates are putting the pressure on. Overnight in Arizona, prayers, two years after the shooting that killed six and wounded congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
She's now on the road campaigning for stricter laws.
The White House is considering an assault weapons ban, limits on ammunition sales, and closing the gun show loophole.
"It's a delusion to believe in this utopia where legislation - ANY law - can fix all problems," said Gun Rights Advocate Larry Ward.
The NRA's campaigning against stricter laws. They've dubbed inauguration day, "Gun Appreciation Day."
A Gallup poll found there's more public support now for stricter laws than any time since 2004.
