Nydia M. Velazquez: “I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4296, the Assault Weapons Ban Act. As the Representative of one of the poorest…”

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4296, the Assault Weapons Ban Act. As the Representative of one of the poorest districts in the country, I know what it's like for my constituents to live in constant fear of crime, and the violence brought about by drug trafficking and drug use. Assault weapons, which are particularly appealing to gangs, drug dealers and organized criminals, are intimidating and deadly instruments of terror. Opponents of the bill, such as the NRA, claim that this bill will eliminate semiautomatic hunting rifles used by gun enthusiasts and hunters. This is simply not true. The 19 semiautomatic weapons that this bill does ban, are designed not for sport, but for killing. No wonder my constituents live in fear of their lives--they live in a war zone. What will it take for this body to understand that our young adults are mercilessly killing themselves and others with these instruments of war. Mr. Chairman, as a cosponsor of this bill, I urge this House to stop the violence and the killing. Don't listen to foolish and false propaganda, support H.R. 4296.”