By Ed Somers
September 13, 2004

As U.S.Mayor goes to press, the 10-year old federal ban on assault-type weapons is set to expire today, September 13, unless Congress sends President Bush a bill to sign before that date. President Bush has previously indicated his support for the ban, but Congress has so far failed to approve an extension.

The Conference of Mayors has adopted strong policy in support of the extension, and this provision is included in the new agenda adopted by the Conference for the 2004 elections.

If the ban is allowed to expire, brand new military-style assault weapons like AK-47s, Uzis and TEC-9 pistols can be manufactured and sold in America.

Government statistics show that the incidence of assault weapon use in crime has fallen 66 percent since the ban was put in place. According to recent polling, nearly 80 percent of Americans support renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban.

A large coalition of national, state and local organizations is united in supporting reauthorization including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major City Police Chiefs, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs Association, and many gun safety and public health organizations.

Mayors are asked to contact their members of the House and Senate to urge that immediate action be taken so that a bill can be sent to President Bush for his signature. If you have any questions, please contact Ed Somers at (202) 861-6706 or esomers@usmayors.org.