[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16223]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  By comparison, a magazine disconnect mechanism is an interlocking 
device which prevents a firearm from being fired when its ammunition 
magazine is removed, even if there is a round in the chamber. 
Interlocks are found on a wide variety of consumer products to reduce 
injury risks. For example, most new cars have an interlocking device 
that prevents the automatic transmission shifter from being moved from 
the ``park'' position unless the brake pedal is depressed. It is common 
sense that a product as dangerous as a gun should contain a similar 
safety mechanism.
  This is an issue of great importance to me. At the age of sixteen, I 
was left paralyzed when a police officer's gun accidentally discharged 
and severed my spine. Had the gun involved in my accident been equipped 
with a chamber load indicator, the officer would have known that the 
weapon was loaded. Clearly, mistakes can happen even when guns are in 
the hands of highly trained weapons experts, which is why safety 
devices are so critical.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and the 40 original co-sponsors of 
this bill in reducing the risk of unintentional shootings. Please co-
sponsor this responsible measure, and help make guns safer for consumer 
use while protecting those unfamiliar with the operation of guns.

                          ____________________