Emanuel Statement on the Revocation of the Assault Weapons Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) released the following statement today marking the expiration of the federal Assault Weapons Ban.  The law was signed into law by President Clinton on September 13, 1994, and banned semi-automatic assault weapons.  The ban, which passed with a sunset provision, expired today.

“In 1994 the Assault Weapons Ban took military-style assault weapons off the streets.  It helped dramatically reduce the number of homicides in this country, and saved the lives of police officers.  Today, the President and Congressional Leadership allowed the ban to expire, revoking an effective and popular law. 

It took strong leadership to pass the assault weapons ban. Former Presidents Clinton, Bush, Carter, Ford, and the late Ronald Reagan all supported the ban, and helped foster bipartisan cooperation in Congress to make it a reality.  Despite urging from citizens groups and police officers nationwide, President Bush chose not to build on their leadership.

President Bush promised in 2000 to renew the Assault Weapons Ban.  In July, according to a spokesperson for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, all he had to do was call: “If Bush pushed for it, the bill will probably be reauthorized.”  He never made that call, and the ban died.

The Assault Weapons Ban was sound, popular and effective legislation.  It took leadership and guts to beat the special interests and pass the ban in 1994.  It is unfortunate we no longer have that level of leadership in the White House.”