[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROTECTION ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2003

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the 
``Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2003.'' 
This legislation will renew and strengthen the current assault weapons 
ban set to expire this Congress. I am joined by 68 of my colleagues in 
support of this legislation and overall goal of keeping illegal 
firearms out of the hands of criminals.
  In September 2004, the assault weapons ban, which is supported by 
virtually every Federal, State and local law enforcement agency, is set 
to expire. Since its introduction in 1994, the ban has increased public 
safety and prevented dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of 
violent criminals, including gang members and terrorists. 
Unfortunately, even with its many successes, would-be criminals have 
demonstrated the ban's limitations.
  A gun manufacturer's ability to slightly modify an assault weapon, 
and the sale of ``parts kits'' which permit criminals to assemble 
unlawful assault weapons, is a massive loophole in the current law, 
allowing these weapons to flood the market and jeopardize the lives of 
law enforcement officers
  Additional steps must be taken to address these types of problems. 
This legislation begins by improving upon the current definition of a 
semi-automatic assault weapon to include any semi-automatic weapon that 
accepts a detachable ammunition magazine and possesses, a single, 
narrowly defined, assault weapon characteristic. Furthermore, it 
contains a provision that makes it more difficult for individuals to 
purchase or sell parts that make it possible to convert a lawful semi-
automatic weapon into an unlawful assault weapon.
  During the 2000 election cycle, then-Governor Bush made a campaign 
promise to support the extension of the ban, as did Attorney General 
Ashcroft during his 2001 Senate confirmation hearing. I am glad to hear 
of their support and look forward to working with them in the upcoming 
months. I can think of no legitimate reason for civilians to have 
access to military-style weapons that are useless for recreational 
activities and only serve the purpose of furthering unwanted criminal 
activity.

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