The White House says President Barack Obama is "actively supportive" of efforts to reinstate a ban on assault weapons.

The president promised to address gun violence following the Connecticut school shooting.

California Senator Dianne Feinstein is planning to introduce legislation to reinstate the ban in early 2013.

The White House also said the president would support closing the so-called gun show loophole, which lets people buy from private dealers without a background check.

He would also consider a ban on high-capacity ammunition clips.

The president is a long-time supporter of the assault weapons ban but failed to push for it in his first term.