Gabrielle Giffords launches gun control campaign 8 January 2013 Last updated at 15:47 A former US congresswoman who survived a gunshot wound to her head during a mass shooting has launched a campaign against gun violence. Gabrielle Giffords' Americans for Responsible Solutions initiative aims to raise money for gun control efforts. It comes as the White House holds talks with groups representing gun-owners, victims and the video game industry. A school shooting in December that killed 20 children and six adults has fuelled debate over gun violence. Ms Giffords wrote, with her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, in USA Today on Tuesday: "In response to a horrific series of shootings... Congress has done something quite extraordinary - nothing at all. The couple also highlight the influence of the gun lobby, adding: "Achieving reforms to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings will mean matching gun lobbyists in their reach and resources." Giffords v NRA The initiative aims to counter the influence of powerful pro-gun groups such as the National Rifle Association, which in 2011 spent more money on lobbying than all gun control groups combined. 2012: James Holmes kills 12 people and injures 58 at a cinema in Aurora, Colorado Until now, the gun lobby's political contributions, advertising and lobbying have dwarfed spending from anti-gun violence groups. No longer," Ms Giffords wrote. The announcement of the initiative marks two years exactly since Ms Giffords was shot during a meeting with constituents in Tucson, Arizona. On Friday, the former congresswoman visited Newtown, Connecticut, where the elementary school shooting occurred, and met families of the victims. Connecticut Representative DebraLee Hovey, who represents Newtown in the state legislature, was criticised after she wrote on Facebook: "Gabby Gifford [sic] stay out of my towns!!" The politician has since apologised. Ms Giffords and Mr Kelly also recently met New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a vocal gun control advocate. In the wake of the shooting at last month's Sandy Hook elementary school, some pro-gun lawmakers have said they are reconsidering their views. But correspondents say that attention around the issue may have slipped as politicians became focused on reaching a deal to avert tax rises and spending cuts that were due to take effect at the end of the year. Another round of deadlines looms at the end of March. The White House has pledged to look for ways to curb gun violence and is due to make proposals by the end of January. Vice-President Joe Biden, who is leading the White House effort, is scheduled to meet gun violence victims groups and gun safety organisations on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. He is due to hold discussions with other groups throughout the week. President Barack Obama has called on Congress to reinstate a ban on assault weapons, restrict availability of high-magazine clips and close a loophole allowing private gun sales to proceed without a background check.