Ruppersberger: Let’s Pass Assault Weapons Ban

(Washington, D.C.) –  Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today announced his support of legislation banning the sale, transfer, production and importation of assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 was introduced today following horrific mass shootings and terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Colorado Springs, Sandy Hook, Newtown, Aurora and elsewhere across the country, all of which involved military-style firearms.

When assault weapons or high-capacity magazines have been used in a shooting, the number of casualties has increased 63 percent.

“I strongly believe in the Second Amendment, but we also have a Constitutional responsibility to protect American citizens from harm,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are the weapon of choice for mass shooters because their sole purpose is to inflict as much damage as possible as quickly as possible. A ban may not stop these attacks, but it will help drastically reduce the bloodshed. This will be even more important as we continue to fight domestic terrorism and radicalization such as the ISIS-related attack we saw in San Bernardino.”

Specifically, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will 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 157 specifically-named and listed firearms.

The bill also sets new standards to prevent “default proceeds” – the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyer’s background check is not completed within three days.