BOSTON (AP) _ Attorney General Maura Healey is calling President Barack Obama's efforts to tighten controls on guns a step in the right direction, but she says Congress must do more.

Healey said Tuesday that while Massachusetts already has strict gun laws, tougher measures are needed to stanch the flow of weapons from other states.

She called for universal and comprehensive background checks aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of those who would harm themselves or hurt or kill others.

Healey also praised Obama's efforts to address mental illness, which she said was the root cause of some, but not all, of the most horrific mass shootings.

Obama is using his presidential powers to push through the changes without congressional approval.

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