The House passed (217-213) legislation (H.R.1808)  that would ban so-called assault weapons. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon or large capacity ammunition feeding device.

Would make it unlawful for a person to import, sell, manufacture, or transfer the following:

• All semi-automatic rifles that can accept a detachable magazine and have at least one of the following military features: (1) pistol grip; (2) forward grip; (3) folding, telescoping, or detachable stock; (4) grenade launcher; (5) barrel shroud; or (6) threaded barrel. All semi-automatic rifles that have a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
• Bump fire stocks and any part, combination of parts, component, device, attachment, or accessory that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semiautomatic rifle but not convert the semiautomatic rifle into a machinegun. All semiautomatic pistols that can accept a detachable magazine and have at least one of the following military features: (1) threaded barrel; (2) second pistol grip; (3) barrel shroud; (4) capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip; or (5) semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm.
• All semi-automatic shotguns that have at least one of the following (1) a folding, telescoping, or detachable stock; (2) pistol grip; (3) fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 5 rounds; (4) ability to accept a detachable magazine; (5) forward grip; (6) grenade launcher; or (7) shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
• High capacity feeding devices (magazines, strips, and drums) capable of accepting more than 10 rounds.

Would allow for the sale, transfer, or possession of assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices lawfully possessed on the date of enactment of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021,

Specifies that its restrictions do not apply to antique firearms, manually-operated firearms, and more than 2,000 specified models of hunting and sporting firearms.

In Favor:

"Over the past several decades, our country has witnessed senseless killing after senseless kill and each time one fact has remained remarkably consistent—the weapon of choice for mass slaughter is a high-powered assault weapon,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler (D-NY). “It is beyond frightening and disturbing that a weapon that was designed as a tool of war has found its way into the hands of 18 year olds and onto our streets. Any weapon that allows for the quick and efficient slaughter of children in our schools has no place in our communities.”

“AR-15 style firearms have become the weapon of choice for shooters looking to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible and have been used in the deadliest mass shootings in our history, from Sandy Hook to Parkland to Uvalde. Researchers estimate that if we still had a federal Assault Weapons Ban, we would see 70 percent fewer mass shooting deaths. How many more kids need to die in their schools before we finally crack down on these dangerous firearms which were designed for war?" said bill sponsor Congressman Cicilline (D-RI). “Protecting the lives and safety of Americans is not at odds with our Second Amendment rights. We cannot rest until we ensure that our kids and families are safe in schools, houses of worship, and everywhere in our communities.”

Against a Ban

Those against argue the types of guns they are trying to ban are not military-style weapons. They feel some use that rhetoric to scare the public into agreeing with their agenda. Opponents point out that a ban of this nature would not make any kind of difference because these “assault weapons” are much less powerful than many rifles used to hunt deer and other large game. They also argue that it is ridiculous to think that the Second Amendment would only apply to the types of guns that existed in the 18th century when the Constitution was written. The Second Amendment extends to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding.

Opponents argue we shouldn't be banning guns for law abiding citizens. We should be focusing on making sure that citizens who shouldn't get guns in the first place don't get those guns. Gun owners also point out that the majority of gun deaths in this country are committed with hand guns and not so called “assault weapons.

Do you think Congress should pass H.R.1808, that makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD)?