I am writing to urge your support for S.25, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at addressing the persistent issue of gun violence in our nation.
In 2004, the expiration of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, heavily influenced by the National Rifle Association's lobbying efforts, marked a significant shift in gun violence trends. During the tenure of the ban, gun massacre deaths had decreased by over 40%. However, following its expiration, these deaths escalated by approximately 2.5 times.
The urgency for action is clear and supported by public opinion, as recent surveys reveal a majority of Americans favor a federal ban on assault weapons. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 proposes comprehensive measures to curb the proliferation of military-style assault weapons, which have been used in numerous recent mass shootings.
The enactment of S.25 is a vital step towards reducing the availability of military-grade weapons in our communities. I implore you to support this legislation and take decisive action to prevent further loss of lives due to gun violence.
