New York Rep. Peter King (R) has become the first House Republican to support a bill banning so-called assault weapons.
“They are weapons of mass slaughter.I don’t see any need for them in everyday society,” King told the New York Daily News.
King is a co-sponsor of the ‘Assault Weapons Ban of 2019,’ according to Congress’ website.
The legislation would ban semi-automatic rifles and large capacity magazines.
A summary of the bill reads: This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).
The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.
“I think the assault weapons ban is timely now, especially in view of the shooting in El Paso and Dayton,” King added.
“These weapons belong on the battlefield, not in our homes, schools, houses of worship or workplaces.”
“I’m pleased that Congressman King has joined this effort. I sincerely hope that more of my Republicans colleagues will put their service to our country and the safety of their constituents ahead of their need to raise campaign money from the gun lobby.”
The bill has slim chance of becoming law as it is likely dead on arrival in the Senate.
