Kelly opposes Democrats overreaching Assault Weapons Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1808, Assault Weapons Ban of 2022.

"This bill unnecessarily restricts the rights of hunters and sportsmen rather than targeting violent criminals. It is yet another attempted gun grab by House Democrats that undermines law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights. I cannot -- and will not -- support that," Kelly said. "I believe we should be taking a more serious approach to address mental health and other related solutions that can prevent these horrific mass shootings from happening in the first place."

BACKGROUND

The Supreme Court has stated that it is unconstitutional to restrict Americans access to firearms that are in “common use.”  The firearms banned under this bill, including the more than 24 million modern sporting rifles sold in the U.S., are among the most common and popular firearms owned by Americans.  This bill also goes far beyond a so-called “assault weapons ban” and would make illegal numerous shotguns used by hunters and sportsmen. 

H.R. 1808, Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, contains the following provisions that Rep. Kelly opposes:

-This legislation criminalizes the import, sale, manufacture, or transfer of certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns, including the most popular and widely owned firearms in the nation, largely based off cosmetic distinctions rather than functionality. 

-Semiautomatic rifles and pistols would be banned if they can accept a detachable magazine and have a single characteristic like a pistol grip, forward grip, or folding stock or if they can accept a magazine with a capacity greater than 15 rounds. 

-Semiautomatic shotguns, including many of the most popular hunting shotguns, would be banned if they have the capacity to accept more than 5 shotgun shells and have a single characteristic like a pistol grip, forward grip, or detachable stock.

-The bill would prevent modifications to a firearm that could make it easier for an individual with a disability to use the firearm.

-Prohibits rifles, pistols, and shotguns that have a pistol grip or forward grip, a critical piece for maintaining control and points of contact to accurately fire.

-Prohibits rifles and shotguns that have a detachable stock. Detaching the stock would be necessary to add a stabilizing brace or otherwise modify the firearm to make it possible for a person with a disability to use the firearm.

-Covered firearms legally owned at enactment may continue to be owned, but a transfer or sale of that firearm would require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee and a background check. 

-This new background check requirement would be ineffective or impossible to enforce without a national firearm registry.