Leading medical groups quickly applauded President Obama's moves Wednesday to ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, expand mental health services and take other steps to reduce gun violence in the wake of last month's deadly shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. "The president's federal policy recommendations today represent the necessary national commitment to addressing gun violence prevention and mental health access in a comprehensive, meaningful way," said Dr. Thomas K. McInerny, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.