Ben Cardin: “Based on these meetings, I rise in support of H.R. 3527, the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. Although this…”

“Based on these meetings, I rise in support of H.R. 3527, the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons. Although this amendment sparked much discussion, I am convinced that the majority of my constituents support this ban. In 1986, of the guns traced to crimes, 5.5 percent were assault guns. In 1989, that number nearly doubled--of the guns traced to crimes, 10.5 percent were assault guns. In 1993, although assault weapons were only one-half percent of all privately owned American guns, they accounted for 9.7 percent of guns traced to crimes. It is time to stop the criminal use of these weapons. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3527, the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons.”