Tony Hall: “I rise in strong support of the Assault Weapons Ban Act. The increase in violence in our Nation's communities is an…”

“I rise in strong support of the Assault Weapons Ban Act. The increase in violence in our Nation's communities is an issue that deeply concerns me. As a Representative from my district of Dayton, OH, I have heard from many constituents who have expressed outrage and fear at the type of violence they face on a daily basis, and who have urged Congress to keep these guns out of the reach of criminals. As a parent, I have listened to my children who have told me disturbing stories of how many young people get involved with guns and drugs in schools. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 50,000 American children have been killed by guns between 1979 and 1991. In 1991 alone, over 5,000 children between the ages of 1 to 19 died from gunshot wounds, and over 26,000 children were injured by guns. Mr. Chairman, action must be taken to ensure that children are safe in their neighborhoods and can attend schools in a learning environment.”