BOYLE VOTES FOR ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the statement below following passage of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 (H.R. 1808), a bill that would prohibit the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

"I am proud to have voted in favor of this legislation," said Boyle. "Statistics clearly show that an assault weapons ban will save lives. Mass shootings declined during a previous ten-year ban on assault weapons. When that ban expired in 2004, mass shootings tripled. The numbers don't lie. This common-sense legislation will save lives, plain and simple."

Key provisions in the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021:

• Prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. (similar to the '94-'04 ban)
• Does NOT apply to the possession, sale or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon lawfully possessed on the date of enactment (a grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon.)
• Allows for the transfer of grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapons through a federal firearms licensee following a background check using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
• Requires that semiautomatic assault weapons be securely stored so that they are not accessible to those who are prohibited from possessing them.
• Allows states to use Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds for voluntary buyback programs for semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
• Gradually reduces the prevalence of the deadliest tactical weapons, while containing numerous provisions that protect the rights of hunters, gun collectors, farmers, sport shooters, and those who use firearms for self-defense.
• Includes exemptions for specific uses such as law enforcement, nuclear security, and testing authorized by the Attorney General.
• Allows for temporary transfers without a background check for target shooting at a licensed target facility or established range.
• Does NOT apply to antique firearms and more than 2,000 specified models of hunting and sporting firearms.