Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced this week the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019, which would ban the sale, transfer, manufacture, and importation of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
The lawmakers said the measure bans magazines and other ammunition feeding devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition as well as assault pistol stabilizing braces that transform assault pistols into assault rifles by allowing the shooter to shoulder the weapon and fire more accurately. It also bans Thordsen-type grips and stocks that are designed to evade a ban on assault weapons.
“Last year we saw tens of thousands of students nationwide take to the streets to demand action to stop mass shootings and stem the epidemic of gun violence that plagues our communities,” Feinstein said. “Our youngest generation has grown up with active-shooter drills, hiding under their desks—and now they’re saying enough is enough. Americans across the nation are asking Congress to reinstate the federal ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.”
She said if the nation is going to put an end to mass shootings and protect children, Congress needs to get the weapons off the streets.
Murphy said military-style assault rifles are the weapons of choice for mass murderers.
“There’s just no reason why these guns, which were designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible, are sold to the public,” Murphy said. “This past year, we’ve seen Americans rise up and demand Congress change our gun laws. Banning assault weapons would save lives, and I’m proud to join Senator Feinstein in introducing this bill.”