WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted for the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 to save lives and keep communities safe from weapons of war. In the last two months, five gunmen have killed a combined 45 people with assault weapons. Research shows a federal assault weapons ban would result in a 70 percent decrease in mass shooting deaths.
Similar to the 1994 ban, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 would prohibit the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of deadly semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The prohibition does not apply to semiautomatic assault weapons lawfully possessed on the date of enactment or a grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon. Additionally, this legislation would allow gun owners to keep their existing assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. During the 1994 assault weapons ban, no firearms were confiscated from lawful gun owners. Estimates suggest nearly 40% of guns used in serious violent crimes, including murders of law enforcement officers, are equipped with large capacity magazines.
“Assault weapons are meant for war – they have no place in our neighborhoods or our schools. The American people are tired of living in fear. I voted for my district, a community who has felt the devastating and insurmountable loss due to these deadly, destructive guns.” said Congresswoman Hayes.
Endorsing groups include: AIDS CT, Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, Team 26, and dozens of others.
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