Issue Position: High Capacity Ammunition Magazines

Issue Position

On January 8, 2011, a disturbed individual, Jared Loughner, began shooting during an open meeting held by my friend and colleague Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Tragically, he wounded 13 individuals, including Rep. Giffords, and killed 6 others, including a 9-year old girl. Reasonable gun control laws could have prevented this devastating event, or at the very least saved some of these individuals. Specifically, there could have been fewer victims had legislation been in place prohibiting the sale of high capacity ammunition feeding devices, like the one that Mr. Loughner used on that day. If Mr.Loughner had been using a traditional magazine (carrying less than 10 rounds), he would not have been able to shoot as many rounds before having to stop and reload, and a bystander could have stopped him much sooner. To prevent a similar tragedy in the future, I have joined with Rep. McCarthy in introducing the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act (H.R. 308). The bill would prohibit the sale of any ammunition magazine holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition (with reasonable exceptions for law enforcement and other government personnel). The bill is currently being considered by the Judiciary Committee. High capacity feeding devices simply should not be on the market -- they are not necessary for either self-defense or sporting. I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure this important bill becomes law.

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