Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and other Democratic elected officials used a conference in Connecticut on Thursday to press for new state and federal laws to curb gun violence.

“I say it’s unacceptable not to take this on,” Biden said, seeming to direct remarks at former Senate colleagues from states where the electorate may be more resistant to gun control measures than in Connecticut.

“What I say to my colleagues who will watch this and listen to this, I say to you: If you’re concerned about your political survival you should be concerned about the survival of our children, and guess what, I believe the price to be paid politically … is to those who refuse to act,” Biden said. “There’s a moral price to be paid for inaction.”

Biden, appointed by President Barack Obama to be the administration’s point man on firearm issues, alluded to attention-grabbing statements he made Tuesday, when he suggested that people buy double-barrel shotguns for personal protection instead of more powerful assault weapons.

“There’s plenty of ways to protect yourself and recreate without an AR-15.” Biden said. “They say it isn’t about guns! They’re wrong, it is about guns!” said Biden, at times shouting and criticizing the National Rifle Association by name.