WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger this evening released the following statement after the U.S. House voted to pass the Assault Weapons Ban.

“We are all too familiar with ‘breaking news’ headlines bringing horrific reports of the latest mass shooting. These high-fatality tragedies are a symptom of easy access to assault-style weapons. Our country previously had a federal Assault Weapons Ban in place from 1994 until 2004. Those ten years were marked by a nearly 40 percent drop in gun massacres. Since Congress allowed this previous ban to expire, gun massacres have tripled nationwide.

“If we are serious about preventing senseless acts of gun violence in schools, grocery stores, places of worship, and communities across our country, we must reinstate the ban on the manufacturing, sale, and transfer of these weapons. Far, far too many families across our country have been torn apart by a person armed with a high-powered, military-style firearm — designed to kill with merciless efficiency. This evening, the House took a concrete and necessary step to prevent future carnage. And I cast my vote with Virginians who have lost a loved one to gun violence on my mind.”

Spanberger has twice cosponsored the Assault Weapons Ban, which clearly defines the weapons that would be impacted — firearms manufactured for the quick and efficient massacre of human beings — while exempting more than 2,200 firearms with prominent use for home protection and hunting.

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