Representative Lucy McBath of Georgia and Senator Adam Schiff of California announced the reintroduction of the federal Assault Weapons Ban during a press conference. The legislation aims to prohibit certain semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines, which have been frequently used in mass shootings such as those in Highland Park, Uvalde, Parkland, and Atlanta spas. The bill has garnered support from over 100 original House co-sponsors and was brought to the Senate by Senators Schiff, Chris Murphy, Richard Blumenthal, and Alex Padilla.
“Assault weapons are made to murder and maim. These weapons of war do not belong on our streets, in our classrooms, or in our spaces of worship,” said Representative McBath. She emphasized her commitment to gun violence prevention following the death of her son, adding, “Banning assault weapons is a proven way to prevent horrific massacres from devastating our country.”
Senator Schiff recalled the history of assault weapon bans in the U.S., noting, “Thirty-one years ago, after the Stockton schoolyard shooting in California, Senator Feinstein successfully led bipartisan legislation to ban military-style assault weapons.” He mentioned the impact of the previous ban and the need to reinstate it to prevent further mass casualty events.
Research shows a reduction in mass shooting fatalities during the previous federal assault weapons ban from 1994 to 2004. Representative McBath has played a significant role in advancing gun violence prevention legislation since her arrival in Congress in 2019, including supporting the federal assault weapons ban in 2022.
The bill received endorsements from organizations such as Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, March Fourth, and Newtown Action Alliance. Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady, remarked, “The easy availability of such firearms creates opportunities for radicalized individuals to inflict mass damage on the public.”
John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, supported the efforts, stating, “We applaud Senator Schiff and Congresswoman McBath for introducing legislation to keep assault weapons out of civilian hands.”
Emma Brown, GIFFORDS Executive Director, also expressed her approval: “It’s time that Congress take action to manage these firearms and keep them out of dangerous hands.” She praised the leadership of Schiff and McBath in addressing gun violence.
Kitty Brandtner, founder of March Fourth, highlighted the necessity of the bill, which is widely supported by the public: “We support a ban on assault weapons because we know it works—and we know what happens when we don’t.”
Po Murray, chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance, shared her perspective, “As a neighbor of the Sandy Hook shooter, I know the unbearable pain that weapons of war inflict on families and communities… We owe it to the children and families we have lost, and those who live in daily fear, to pass this bill when the moment comes.”
