Washington, D.C. - United States Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today released the following statement regarding the expiration of the Assault Weapons Ban:
“This is a sad day for our country. The Assault Weapons Ban which has protected our communities for the past ten years has expired. This landmark law has a track record of saving lives and improving safety in our communities. Crimes committed with assault weapons dropped by 66% over the past 10 years since the ban was passed. Now, due to a lack of leadership by President Bush and the Republican Congress, military-style weapons like AK-47s and Uzis could flood back into our neighborhoods. Law enforcement organizations around the country have called for the renewal of this assault weapons ban, and no one knows better the dangers posed by these weapons than police officers who are on the frontlines in the fight against crime. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of legislation to extend the ban on assault weapons. The Congress and the President should enact this bill now.”