House GOP Calls for Repeal of Ban on Assault Weapons

Conservative House Republicans, supported by several Democrats, proposed Friday to repeal the ban on assault-style weapons.

Republicans have made a top priority of lifting the ban, which was part of last year’s $30-billion anti-crime law initiated by the Clinton Administration. The repeal bill was introduced by members of the House Firearms Legislation Task Force.

The House plans to vote in May on the bill, and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.), a gun-control opponent, has said he hoped to have such a measure on President Clinton’s desk by the summer. Clinton has said he will veto any such repeal.

“If the gun task force and the pro-gun lobby believe that they will repeal the assault-weapons ban without a fight, they’ve got another think coming,” said Rep. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), who led the battle for the ban and the Brady handgun control law.

Schumer said he was particularly concerned about a provision in the bill that reaffirms the right of individuals to use any firearms at home for self-defense. People who were denied that right could bring civil lawsuits in federal court seeking damages.

“It repeals hundreds of . . . laws that allow states and localities to determine who could have a gun in their home,” Schumer said in an interview. “This is the most extreme position that I have seen in a long time.”

Freshman Rep. Bob Barr (R-Ga.), chairman of the firearms task force, said the provision “could very well” negate some state and local laws governing guns.

The ban, which prohibits the manufacture, sale and possession of 19 specific types of assault-style firearms and scores of copycats, is supported by major law enforcement organizations.

The repeal was left out of the big GOP anti-crime package that swept through the House in mid-February, which was part of the “contract with America” agenda completed this week.

“It’s going to repeal the Clinton gun grab and it’s going to make homes safer for America,” freshman Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Tex.), told reporters at a news conference held by members of the firearms task force.

In addition to repealing the assault-weapons ban, the new bill also would create federal mandatory minimum sentences for use of a firearm in any serious state or federal crime. The new minimums would be five years for possessing a firearm, 10 years for brandishing one and 20 years for firing one.

The provision is designed to respond to complaints that enforcement efforts should be focused on criminals rather than gun control.