DeLauro Announces SAFER Streets Act To Help Prevent Gun Violence
Statement
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today announced new, common-sense legislation to help prevent gun violence. The Support Assault Firearm Elimination and Reduction for our (SAFER) Street Act creates a tax credit to encourage the turn-in of assault weapons to state or local police.
"Let us be clear. Assault weapons are not about hunting or even self-defense and they should be off the streets," DeLauro said. "There is no reason on Earth, other than to kill as many people as possible in a very short period of time, that anyone needs a gun designed for military purposes. These weapons have been disproportionately used to kill law enforcement officers in the line of duty and were tragically used in Newtown, Aurora, and countless other mass shootings across America.
"Particularly if you are a parent or grandparent, the tragedy that happened in Sandy Hook last month is almost overwhelming. Such massacres should not happen in America and we should do everything possible to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"In his remarks shortly after the tragedy, President Obama asked "Are we doing enough to protect our children?' The answer, he admitted, is no. The SAFER Streets Act moves us in the right direction."
The SAFER Streets Act creates a $2,000 refundable tax credit ($1,000 for two consecutive years) for an assault weapon owner who turns in their firearm to the state police. The idea was proposed to the Congresswoman by a Connecticut veteran who owns an AR-15 and wanted to help urge other assault weapon owners to do their part to help prevent future tragedies.
DeLauro is a longtime supporter of stronger laws to prevent gun violence. She supports a comprehensive ban on assault weapons as well as high capacity ammunition feeding devices, closing the "gun show loophole" to ensure background checks are conducted on all gun purchases and improvements to our health system so the millions of Americans struggling with mental health issues can get the help they need.
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