WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) cosponsored today a bill to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices for civilians. The ban was one of several proposals outlined by the President in response to the Newtown shooting.

“It does not take a military-style gun to kill a deer, have fun at the shooting range, or protect your family,” said Himes. “This bill strikes an ideal balance between keeping our communities safe and preserving the freedoms of American gun owners. I look forward to working with my colleagues to send this bill to the President’s desk.”

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 bans the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of over 100 specifically-named firearms  as well as large ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The bill protects responsible hunters and gun owners by exempting over 900 specifically-named weapons often used for hunting and sporting purposes. It also grandfathers weapons already legally owned on the date of the bill’s enactment.