[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H4746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE HOUSE MUST ADDRESS CERTAIN DISTURBING TRENDS IN GUN VIOLENCE

  (Mr. BLAGOJEVICH asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, among the disturbing trends in America 
relating to gun violence are those loopholes where teenagers and 
criminals can get guns at gun shows. This House has yet to address this 
issue.
  Another dangerous trend is the increasing availability of military-
style weapons to the civilian market. Examples of these are laser 
sights, high-capacity ammunition clips, and the 50-caliber sniper 
rifle.
  Mr. Speaker, the 50-caliber sniper rifle is among the most 
destructive and powerful weapons available today. It fires armor-
piercing ammunition. It was designed to take out armored personnel, 
helicopters, and concrete bunkers. It was used in the Gulf War. It has 
a range of up to 4 miles. You can shoot one of these from the Capitol 
and hit the Washington Monument with accuracy. It is 5 feet long and 
weighs over 28 pounds. You do not need it for hunting, yet you can buy 
it legally. It is less regulated than handguns, and it ought to be 
available only if you are in the military fighting a war.
  Mr. Speaker, this House must address this issue immediately.

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