National Parks Group Backs Senator Feinstein’s Bill Calling For a Federal Ban on Assault Weapons
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | January 24, 2013 |
| Contact: | Shannon Andrea, Director of Media Relations National Parks Conservation Association, P: 202.454.3371; C: 202-365-5912 |
National Parks Group Backs Senator Feinstein’s Bill Calling For a Federal Ban on Assault Weapons
Statement by Tom Kiernan, President, National Parks Conservation Association
“Today, Senator Feinstein introduced the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 that seeks to stop the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of more than 150 specifically-named assault weapons and ban an additional group of weapons that accept detachable ammunition magazines and have one or more military characteristics. The bill would also ban high-capacity ammunition magazines. If passed, this bill would apply to our national parks. The National Parks Conservation Association strongly supports it and encourages Congress to vote for it.”
“Nearly four years ago, a law was enacted allowing guns in national parks, specifically authorizing people to carry firearms into national parks to the extent allowed under state law. We aggressively opposed the “guns in parks” law which made it legal for people to carry assault weapons into many national park units. Some states also allow for open carry of such weapons.”
“National parks are places where families, wildlife watchers, recreationists, international travelers and so many others go to enjoy the scenic beauty, historical meaning and cultural diversity of our national heritage. Assault weapons have no place in the National Park System unless they are in a museum. We applaud and support Senator Feinstein’s effort to make our national parks safer for all visitors and wildlife.”
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