Jerrold Nadler: “this bill is a good first step toward what I hope will one day be a more comprehensive Federal system of gun control…”

“this bill is a good first step toward what I hope will one day be a more comprehensive Federal system of gun control legislation--a system that does not prohibit sportsmen from hunting but does protect our citizens from mayhem in the streets. This bill prohibits military style assault weapons that spray a large number of rounds in a relatively short period of time. These weapons and large-capacity clips have no legitimate civilian use, period. They are useless to hunters--five rounds fired into a duck will only make duck soup. They are military weapons designed for use against people--they are perfect for wiping out an opposing gang, arming a paramilitary organization, or shooting yeshiva students on a bridge. These weapons of war are the guns of choice of terrorists and criminals. They have names like 'Striker 12' and 'Street Sweeper.' I can assure my colleagues that these military style weapons are not being used to sweep the streets of New York City of deer. 'Street Sweepers,' Uzis, AK-47's, and similar assault weapons are sweeping our children off street corners. Mr. Speaker, the people I represent are tired of attending the funerals of children murdered with these legally available weapons of war.”