WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee says he’ll begin hearings in two weeks on gun safety proposals, as President Barack Obama pushes for fast action.

Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont says he envisions a series of hearings examining violence in popular media and how to keep guns safe, among other topics.

Leahy’s plan could point to a slower process in Congress than gun control advocates would like a month after the tragic shootings in Newtown, Conn., that killed 26 people, including 20 schoolchildren. The White House sees a need for fast action before memories fade.

Obama is unveiling his proposals at the White House later Wednesday to ban assault weapons and require universal background checks.

Leahy, a gun owner, spoke Wednesday morning at Georgetown University Law Center.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)