Blumenthal Statement On Senate Judiciary Committee’s Approval Of Assault Weapons Ban Legislation

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a statement on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 (S.150), legislation Blumenthal cosponsored that would ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The Committee has already approved three other pieces of gun violence prevention legislation supported by Blumenthal.

“On the three-month anniversary of the Newtown massacre, the Committee’s approval of a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines demonstrates powerfully that the Connecticut effect is not going away. Military-style assault weapons are designed to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible as shown so tragically and horribly in Newtown. Some or all of the 20 beautiful children and six great educators gunned down three months ago today would likely be alive if assault weapons and high-capacity clips had been banned.  I urge Senators on both sides of the aisle to keep faith with the victims of the Newtown tragedy and the more than 2,500 people who have died as a result of gun violence since the tragedy. When the assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazines prohibition reach the Senate floor, I urge bipartisan approval of both. There should be nothing partisan about protecting our children and families from gun violence.”

Last Thursday, the Committee approved the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013 (S.54), legislation cosponsored by Blumenthal that gives law enforcement extensive new tools to combat straw purchasing and gun trafficking. In addition, on Tuesday the Committee approved the School Safety Enhancements Act of 2013 (S.146), which Blumenthal cosponsored, and the Protecting Responsible Gun Sellers Act of 2013 (S.374).

The School Safety Enhancements Act would strengthen school safety by helping state and local officials secure their schools and protect students. Specifically, the bill would provide schools with resources to install security devices (i.e. classroom locks, lighting, fencing, and reinforced doors) and conduct security assessments and training for students, teachers, and administrators.
 
The Protecting Responsible Gun Sellers Act would require a background check for all firearm sales and ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.