Politics & Government

Rep. Eric Swalwell Applauds Introduction of Assault Weapons Ban

Swalwell wants to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices. What do you think?

Congressman Eric Swalwell announced in a press release Wednesday his support of the Assault Weapons Ban, which if passed would ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices.

Swalwell, who represents the Tri-Valley down to Fremont, said he was one of the original cosponsors of the bill and has encourage fellow new new members of Congress to lend their support as well.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), a leader on gun control in the House, praised Swalwell for his work to rally support for the ban

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“The fight to reduce gun violence is not an easy one and it’s so helpful to have a partner like Congressman Swalwell in the movement – he’s hit the ground running and I’m grateful that he’s taking such active initiative in helping to organize our colleagues and pass sensible legislation,” McCarthy said.

Here is Swawell full statement on cosponsoring the Assault Weapons Ban:

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As a prosecutor I saw first-hand the damage that can be done with military-style weapons in the hands of killers.  The tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a horrific example for the entire country of the carnage that assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices can inflict.  Banning these assault weapons and large-capacity feeding devices is not the only solution.  But, it's a start and will pioneer more comprehensive legislation totackle the alarming rate of gun violence in America.  California already has an assault weapons and high-capacity feeding device ban, and so this bill is only asking the rest of the country to do what California has already done.  We owe it to the young victims of Sandy Hook and all those who have suffered as a result of these weapons of mass murder to act now, with this first important step, to make our communities safer.

I’m heartened that many people, on all sides of the political spectrum, are saying that now is the time to ban dangerous assault weapons and large-capacity feeding devices from our streets. Legislation to do just that has been introduced today in the House, and I want to applaud the hard work of its sponsors, Senator Diane Feinstein of California and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of New York.

I’m proud to cosponsor this gun safety legislation and am grateful for the trust Congresswoman McCarthy placed in me by asking me to encourage other new Members of the House to cosponsor it aswell.  I’ve been working diligently to build support for it and I’ll continue to do so throughout this Congress until the bill is passed.

Do you support Swalwell's position on assault weapons? Tell us why or why not in the comments section.


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