Attorney General Eric Holder and John Pistole, head of the Transportation Security Administration, address the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting.
TSA Administrator John Pistole spoke to the group of mayors about how to balance access and security in their city's airports, noting that too stringent security can work counter to the goals of buisiness and tourism. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn gave an update on domestic human trafficking.
The Attorney General addressed Gun Control, in light of the President's announcement Wednesday on his plan to curb gun violence. He was introduced by Houston Mayor, and Chair of the Standing Committee on Criminal and Social Justice, Annise Parker.
He emphasized that there needed to be a balance between protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners and giving the Justice department and police departments around the country the tools to prevent criminals and the mentally ill from acquiring weapons.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is expecting more than 270 mayors to attend the winter meeting in Washington, D.C. While in town, the mayors will meet with Congressional leaders and Administration officials to push for action on the economy and job growth, gun control and school safety, and Hurricane Sandy relief aid.