Serrano Outraged Over Impending Expiration of Assault Weapons Ban, Calls on President and Congress to Act

Washington, DC, September 7, 2004—Today, Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) joined Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) in calling on President Bush and the House Leadership to renew the Assault Weapons Ban.  The Ban expires in only 6 days.

“It is vital that we not let this ban expire,” said Congressman Serrano.  “For ten years, the Assault Weapons Ban has helped get dangerous weapons off our streets and has protected our communities and law enforcement officers.  Virtually every law enforcement agency supports the ban, but we are quickly running out of time.  We need to stand by our brave police officers and renew this ban immediately.”

The Assault Weapons Ban is set to expire on September 13, 2004. Since its enactment in 1994, the ban has increased public safety and prevented dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of violent criminals, including gang members, drug dealers and terrorists.

The Assault Weapons Ban is supported by virtually every federal, state and local law enforcement agency, as well as the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major City Chiefs Association, and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers.

Prior to the Ban, ATF found that assault weapons were preferred by criminals 8 times more often than by law-abiding citizens.  In the five years before the Ban, assault weapons made up almost 5% of ATF crime gun traces.  Since the Ban, assault weapons have made up only 1.5% of these traces – a drop of 66% from the pre-Ban rate.  In June 1994, a Maryland assault weapons ban went into effect.  A year later a study based on Baltimore City Police Department figures found that 55% fewer assault weapons were used to commit crimes.

Further, the large majority of Americans support the Ban.  As recently as December 2003, an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found that 78% of adults nationwide support renewal of the Ban, while 57% of gun owners support the Ban.

“The American people, including gun owners, overwhelmingly support this Ban,” continued Serrano.  “Assault weapons aren’t made for self-defense or hunting; they are dangerous weapons traditionally favored by criminals.  To let this Ban expire would be unconscionable, and it is imperative that the leadership in Congress act in the nation’s interest and not take its cues from a radical minority so obsessed with guns that it is willing to risk our citizens’ safety.  We need to protect our streets and our police officers’ lives.  Let’s support America’s police and renew this Ban now!”

Congressman Serrano is the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice and related agencies.

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