mack69
Member
I received this response from my state senator regarding the AWB after writing a legnthy letter asking him to vote against the renewal etc.
Any one care to help me respond to this memo?? I'm thinking I don't like his stats..... mack
Dear Mack,
Thank you for your message about reauthorizing the federal assault weapons ban. I appreciate knowing your thoughts about this issue.
I am not against the possession of guns. Americans are entitled to own and use guns in a responsible fashion. Strong penalties for violent crimes involving firearms should be part of any effort to reduce gun violence. I have consistently supported tough crime control and prevention initiatives since coming to Congress.
Enforcing our nation's existing gun control laws must remain a high priority. I support efforts that address the illegal possession and use of firearms.
The 1994 federal assault weapons ban is set to expire on September 13, 2004. This ban is supported by law enforcement officials who must patrol our streets. Since its enactment, the ban has been an effective tool in reducing crime. In 1993, assault weapons accounted for 8.2 percent of all guns used in crimes. By 1996, the last date for which statistics are available, that percentage had fallen to 3.2 percent. Furthermore, in 1999, the National Institute of Justice reported that gun trace requests for assault weapons declined 20 percent in the first calendar year after the ban took effect. While the assault weapons ban will not totally eliminate the illegal use of assault weapons, it is an important measure that increases public safety.
On March 2, 2004, I voted in favor of an amendment to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, S. 1805, that would have reauthorized the 1994 federal assault weapons ban for an additional 10 years. The amendment passed by a vote of 52-47. However, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act was subsequently defeated by a vote of 8-90.
I will continue to stand with law enforcement in the effort to help ensure our nation's gun laws are fully enforced.
Thanks again for your message.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/el
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Fitzgerald and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.
Any one care to help me respond to this memo?? I'm thinking I don't like his stats..... mack
Dear Mack,
Thank you for your message about reauthorizing the federal assault weapons ban. I appreciate knowing your thoughts about this issue.
I am not against the possession of guns. Americans are entitled to own and use guns in a responsible fashion. Strong penalties for violent crimes involving firearms should be part of any effort to reduce gun violence. I have consistently supported tough crime control and prevention initiatives since coming to Congress.
Enforcing our nation's existing gun control laws must remain a high priority. I support efforts that address the illegal possession and use of firearms.
The 1994 federal assault weapons ban is set to expire on September 13, 2004. This ban is supported by law enforcement officials who must patrol our streets. Since its enactment, the ban has been an effective tool in reducing crime. In 1993, assault weapons accounted for 8.2 percent of all guns used in crimes. By 1996, the last date for which statistics are available, that percentage had fallen to 3.2 percent. Furthermore, in 1999, the National Institute of Justice reported that gun trace requests for assault weapons declined 20 percent in the first calendar year after the ban took effect. While the assault weapons ban will not totally eliminate the illegal use of assault weapons, it is an important measure that increases public safety.
On March 2, 2004, I voted in favor of an amendment to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, S. 1805, that would have reauthorized the 1994 federal assault weapons ban for an additional 10 years. The amendment passed by a vote of 52-47. However, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act was subsequently defeated by a vote of 8-90.
I will continue to stand with law enforcement in the effort to help ensure our nation's gun laws are fully enforced.
Thanks again for your message.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/el
P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Fitzgerald and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.