Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, gun violence continues to plague our streets and our communities. Even more frightening and dangerous is a gunman who is protected by enhanced body armor. Madam Speaker, every second a shooter is on their feet, more lives are threatened. Gun violence researchers and the law enforcement community agree that the armored gunman is threatening the safety of our community. Enhanced body armor, which is designed for military use, is increasingly being used in the commission of violence crimes in our streets, and to overcome law enforcement response. We have seen shootings by gunmen wearing body armor in Riverside, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Pittsburgh, PA, Cleveland, OH, Binghamton, NY, and many other communities. In 2012, the gunman in the Aurora, CO movie theatre shooting wore a ballistic helmet, ballistic leggings, a throat protector, a groin protector, and tactical gloves. It has also been reported the gunman in Dayton was wearing body armor. Body armor was also found in the home of the Gilroy Garlic Festival's gunman, and the Pulse night club shooter in Orlando, FL, attempted to buy body armor to protect himself during the massacre. One can deduce that had the Gilroy and Orlando shooters been wearing military-grade body armor, the number of casualties would have been far greater. Shockingly, there are no federal restrictions on civilians' access to this type of military body armor. That is why I am introducing the Responsible Body Armor Possession Act which would keep military body armor out of the hands of mass shooters by prohibiting the sale, transfer, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. The bill includes exemptions for law enforcement, active duty military, and other public servants whose job responsibilities require them to possess body armor. Ultimately, my legislation will ensure a comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety. Madam Speaker, there is nothing more dangerous than a well-armored, unstoppable active shooter. Armor designed for warfare has no place in our communities and on our streets. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

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