Clay Renews Push for Assault Weapons Ban

Press Release

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) has helped introduce HR 5087, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2018. Mr. Clay, who is an original cosponsor of the legislation said, "Semi-automatic assault weapons like the AR-15 are designed to rapidly kill mass numbers of people. They are weapons of war and have no reasonable purpose in civilian society. The common instrument of death and mass destruction at shooting massacres in Parkland, FL; Las Vegas, NV; San Bernardino, CA; Aurora, CO; and Newtown, CT. is a semi-automatic assault weapon. The massive wounds caused by this high velocity weapon leave victims beyond doctors ability to save them. It's time to end this carnage."

The bill, which is authored by Congressman David Cicilline (D) RI; and Congressman Ted Deutch (D) FL; would ban the manufacture and importation of a wide range of semi-automatic weapons and the large ammunition clips which allow shooters to commit the mass killing of innocent students and the assassination of police officers.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2018 would prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of:

-Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine;

-Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds;

-Semi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature;

-Any ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds;

- And 205 specifically-named and listed firearms.

"Assault weapons were made for one purpose. They are designed to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time. They do not belong in our communities," said Congressman David N. Cicilline (D) RI, the House sponsor of the Assault Weapons Ban.

Congressman Clay added, "This bill is also designed to reduce the deadly threat to local law enforcement who too often face military-style assault weapons fire in the line of duty. We also know that taking these assault weapons off the street makes our communities safer. After the previous assault weapons ban was allowed to expire in 2004, the number of mass shootings increased 183% and the number of deaths in such attacks rose 239%. No one law can end all gun violence or prevent every gun-related tragedy. But Congress has the power to save American lives and we must do so now, without delay."

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2018 is also supported by numerous law enforcement groups including the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. "While NOBLE supports this legislation, we also understand as law enforcement that it will not completely resolve the gun violence in our country," said Clarence Cox III and Vera Bumpers of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. "However, it is movement toward disrupting gun violence. Our children deserve to be protected and adults have an obligation to never forget that."

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