Schumer: Speaks of his ‘work' on the AWB. Well, when we passed the AWB there was a great deal of concern. The arguments against the ban were two: that the bill would cause the confiscation of many weapons, and two that it wouldn't be effective. Neither worry has been true. No hunting rifles or weapons not on the list were confiscated. Not a single complaint. In all gun crimes, the % of AW used has dropped 1/3. A little more than 3% of crime guns were AW back in 93, it has dropped to 1.2%. LE is for this bill because they don't want to be outgunned. They don't want gangs to have Uzis and AK47s against their 9mms. 2/3 of gun owners want AWB renewed. I bet on a tie, or a pass/fail by one vote. Neck and neck. All it does is renew this controversial, but effective legislation for 10 years. We wish the bill would go further. But in deference to those worried about unreasonable search and expansion, we didn't. These weapons can never be used for hunting, target practice, or self defense unless you are reckless and wild. They were designed by armies for mil itary combat. Not accurate, but have firepower, and be able to fire a lot of bullets at once. Weapons of mass devastation, appropriate in battle, but not in a reasonable country. We do not have an unlimited right to bear whatever arm. No amendment is absolute. There are lots of limits on our 1st amendment rights. You can't scream fire in a crowded theater. The same with the 2nd. I do resent the left who want to fit it through a pinhole, but it is not unlimited. You should not be able to buy a tank or bazooka. Here is an AK, most widely available AW. With a bit of practice, you can kill a basketball team in seconds. They are not even accurate or used for hunting. The Uzi comes with 32 round magazine, capable of being fired fast. Easy to hide, very reliable. The Uzi was made for the Israeli army. The street sweeper can fire 12 shotgun shells in less than 15 seconds.