[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 55 (Monday, May 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       PUBLIC SAFETY AND RECREATIONAL FIREARMS USE PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. HENRY B. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 1994

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Assault Weapons 
Ban Act.
  I want to compliment the Judiciary Subcommittee, particularly 
Congressman Schumer for his long and sustained effort to control these 
deadly and unnecessary assault weapons. I am delighted I could support 
this most important piece of legislation.
  Since my first year in Congress, over 32 years ago, I have been 
speaking out on the irrationality of having more than 250 million arms 
in our country. I have also introduced legislation of my own that would 
provide for the same level of regulation for firearms--no more, no 
less--that we now have for obtaining a drivers license.
  I also would like to compliment the city of San Antonio for its most 
forthright and responsible action in passing a resolution earlier today 
in support of the bill H.R. 4296, a copy of which I include here for 
the record.

  Resolution Asking Our Local Congressional Delegation to Support the 
  Passage of H.R. 4296--the Ban on Nonsporting Semiautomatic Assault 
                                Weapons

       Whereas, legally purchased weapons often find their way 
     into the possession of proscribed individuals, and gang 
     violence has become a common occurrence in our community; and
       Whereas, semi-automatic assault weapons were used in the 
     commission of at least 81 (over \1/2\) of the 143 firearm 
     related homicides perpetrated in the city of San Antonio in 
     1993; and
       Whereas, the City of San Antonio lends its full support to 
     the ``National Plan to Combat Violent Crime'' of the United 
     States Conference of Mayors; and HR 4296, banning 19 types of 
     assault weapons, is a key element in that plan; and
       Whereas, HR 4296 does not confiscate assault weapons from 
     current owners and specifically exempts more than 670 guns 
     considered to have a legitimate sporting purpose; and
       Whereas, the City recently adopted Ordinance 79998 
     prohibiting the use of city-owned facilities for public 
     consumer gun shows in an effort to curb the proliferation of 
     assault type weapons; and
       Whereas, HR 4296 is now being debated before the U.S. 
     Congress and is scheduled to be voted upon this very day: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the city council of the city of San Antonio; 
     That the City of San Antonio strongly supports the passage of 
     HR 4296 and asks that our Congressional delegation vote in 
     favor of the ban for the well-being and safety of their 
     constituents, the citizens of the City of San Antonio, Texas.

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