US President Barack Obama issued 23 executive orders on Wednesday and is urging Americans to put pressure on Congress to pass his gun control proposals to reduce violence. The proposals include background checks on all gun sales, a ban on certain gun sales, and restricting ammunition magazines to no more than 10 rounds. If approved, Obama’s proposals will mark the biggest U.S. gun-control changes in decades. The White House anticipates strong opposition by the nation's largest gun-rights group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), which has blocked gun-control efforts in the past.

Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, gestures as he talks about proposals to reduce gun violence, Wednesday, in the South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington (Photo: AP)

Obama’s proposals have sparked varied reactions and opinions from the public. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid promised that the Senate will consider legislation that addresses gun violence. The NRA released an anti-gun control advertisement that criticizes Obama’s proposals. Republican Senator Marco Rubio said nothing the president is proposing would have prevented recent massacres.