Gun control advocates assail Bush's stance on assault weapons ban.(Chicago Tribune)

Byline: Jill Zuckman

WASHINGTON _ Gun control advocates accused President Bush on Wednesday of walking away from his campaign promise to renew the federal ban on assault weapons, which is set to expire next year.

The ban on 19 types of assault weapons _ such as Uzis, AK-47s and TEC-9s _ became law in 1994 with the support of a Democratic Congress and President Bill Clinton. If it expires, dealers could legally sell these powerful weapons again.

Bush has said he would sign legislation extending the ban, but his Republican ally, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, said this week he does not plan to send the measure to the floor for a vote.

Democrats said Bush could easily use his political clout to push the bill through. Instead, they charged, he is trying to have it both ways, signaling to voters who support gun control that he favors …