“In danger of losing congressional momentum, President Barack Obama is drawing attention to Colorado’s newly passed gun control laws as he applies public pressure on Congress to pass similar federal measures,” the AP writes. “Obama was traveling to the Denver suburbs Wednesday, stepping up his call for universal background checks for gun buyers as well as his demands for Congress to at least vote on an assault weapons ban and limits on large-capacity ammunition magazines.”
The Denver Post: “In his first trip to Colorado since his re-election, President Barack Obama on Wednesday will urge Congress to act more like the state's Democratic-controlled legislature and quickly pass stronger gun-control laws. At a forum with law enforcement officials and community leaders at the Denver Police Academy, Obama will praise lawmakers and Gov. John Hickenlooper for passing some of the nation's strongest gun-control measures after the shootings in Aurora and at a Connecticut elementary school. He will also push Congress, which has been lethargic on the issue, to move on proposals pending in the U.S. House and the Senate. But the desire from the White House to cast Colorado as an all-supportive bastion of gun-control-loving people is complicated by some stark realities: Colorado lawmakers remain embroiled in debate on whether the state's new laws will make a difference and police are investigating death threats against lawmakers.”
Pew: “As the Obama administration approaches a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, a national survey finds broad public support for the project. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) favor building the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas. Just 23% oppose construction of the pipeline.” The poll was conducted before the oil spill in Arkansas.
President Obama and the first lady will attend the April 25 opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Texas.
Time magazine adds, “On April 25, President Barack Obama will be united with his four living predecessors in Dallas for the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University, officials confirmed Tuesday. According to White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, both Obama and First Lady Michele Obama will be on hand when the 43rd President’s library and museum are dedicated. The last time all five met was in January 2009 before Obama was sworn in, in a meeting and lunch hosted by Bush in the Oval Office for the members of the world’s most exclusive club.”
“Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will give back a portion of his salary this fiscal year in solidarity with his department’s workers who are facing 14 days of furloughs, the Pentagon said Tuesday,” Politico writes.