[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       .50 CALIBER SNIPER RIFLES

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, last week the Violence Policy Center 
released a report entitled ``Just Like Bird Hunting: The Threat to 
Civil Aviation From .50 Caliber Sniper Rifles.'' This report discusses 
the range and power of the .50 caliber sniper rifle and its ammunition, 
and highlights the potential threat this weapon poses to airports and 
aircraft. The idea that terrorists can legally obtain these weapons 
should shake us up and force us to act immediately.
  The .50 caliber sniper rifle is among the most powerful weapons 
legally available. According to the VPC's report, a .50 caliber sniper 
rifle is capable of accurately hitting a target over a thousand yards 
away and the ammunition available for the .50 caliber includes armor-
piercing, incendiary and explosive bullets. The report also cites the 
U.S. Army's manual on urban combat which states that .50 caliber sniper 
rifles are designed to attack bulk fuel tanks and other high-value 
targets from a distance, using ``their ability to break through all but 
the thickest shielding material.''
  One of the most disturbing parts of the report comes from the leading 
manufacturer of .50 caliber sniper rifles, Barrett Firearms. According 
to the VPC report, a brochure advertising the .50 caliber sniper rifle 
states, ``The cost-effectiveness of the Model 82A1 cannot be 
overemphasized when a round of ammunition purchased for less than 
10USD--U.S. Dollars--can be used to destroy or disable a modern jet 
aircraft.''
  I believe the easy availability and the increased popularity of the 
.50 caliber sniper rifle poses a danger to homeland security, as well 
as airline safety. That's why last year I cosponsored Senator 
Feinstein's Military Sniper Weapon Regulation Act. This bill would 
change the way .50 caliber guns are regulated by placing them under the 
requirements of the National Firearms Act. This would subject these 
weapons to the same regimen of registration and background checks as 
other weapons of war, such as machine guns. This is a necessary step to 
assuring the safety of Americans.
  The .50 caliber sniper rifle is among the most powerful, and least 
regulated, firearms legally available. Tighter regulation is needed. If 
Senator Feinstein's bill is reintroduced, I urge my colleagues to 
support it.

                          ____________________