WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) reacted today to reports that the “Assault Weapons Ban,” which expired in 2004, may be reinstated according to statements by the U.S. Attorney General.

“In my mind, this issue was settled in 2004 when the ban expired.  Congress spends too much time regulating the lawful activities of law-abiding gun owners and too little time strengthening penalties against the individuals who commit gun crimes,” Emerson said.  “In Southern Missouri, we have responsible gun owners and sportsmen who absolutely own firearms that would fall under this ban if it were reinstated today.  Whether it is for hunting, marksmanship, or personal protection, law-abiding citizens have many legal uses for guns that were covered under the previous Assault Weapons Ban.  The federal government’s efforts to outlaw these guns amount to an attempt to weaken the Second Amendment.”

No formal legislation to reinstate the “Assault Weapons Ban” has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at this time.

“This is surely an effort I will oppose if I am given the opportunity,” Emerson added.

Congressional supporters of Second Amendment Rights, including Emerson, are similarly engaged in arguments against a national registry of American gun owners.