Renew the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB)

After the mass movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, and the shooting at Clackamas Town Center in Portland, Oregon on December 11, both committed with assault rifles, it is time to reinstate the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB). Individual citizens and families should not have to fear attending the movies or shopping at the local mall because of the risk of mass murders carried out by gunmen with easily purchased assault weapons. These attacks are occurring more frequently and action must be taken to stem the tide. While some people who want a weapon might be able to obtain it at all costs, the AWB would help to discourage people like James Holmes, who purchased his weapons legally and did not appear to have contact with any underworld arms dealers. Bring back the AWB!