Senator Feinstein Announces Bill to Ban Assault Rifles

So it begins! On Thursday, Senator Dianne Feinstein called a dramatic press conference to announce her newest bid to push a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines. All while surrounded by a group of cops, shooting victims, and a wall full of guns she is targeting. This is an attempt to pass the most severe gun control bill in nearly 20-years.

During the conference Senator Feinstein admitted that there is a lot of opposition to her proposed legislation stating, "This really is an unhill road."

She went on to state that public pressure can overcome resistence, "We can win this, but it depends on America, and it depends on the courage of Americans."

Her bill is even stronger than the one she helped pass in 1994, seeking to ban the import and sale of over 150 types of firearms. Of them, she included the Bushmaster AR-15 which was allegedly used in the Sandy Hook shooting but has since been reported as being left in the shooter's car by MSNBC. The bill also bans ammunition clips that hold more than 10 rounds.

The new bill differs from the 1994 ban which expired because it will not have an expiration date. It would be permanent.

Senator Feinstein said during the conference that it is nobodies intention to confiscate anyone's guns, but rather to dry up the supply of firearms.

The NRA has accused the Senator of trying to ban guns from law abiding citizens as well as curtailing the Constitution.

Democrats on Thursday argued that an assault weapons ban would have prevented the deaths of those individuals in the Sandy Hook tragedy, stating that had one been in place on December 14th, there would be little boys and girls still alive today.

The proposed legislation faces many more hurdles at making it through Congress than any of the proposed changes made by President Obama. The bill has no Republican supporters in the Senate and faces further quiet opposition by Democrats from rural states.



Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP