Markey Proposes Recommendations for Biden's Gun Task Force
Congressman Ed Markey sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden Wednesday calling for a new assault weapons ban and improved background checks, among other measures.
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Congressman Ed Markey sent a letter to the vice president Wednesday with proposed recommendations for his task force on guns.
In the letter (attached), the Malden Democrat asks Joe Biden to consider recommending “a new assault weapons ban that includes all semi-automatic weapons capable of accommodating an ammunition magazine greater than 10 rounds.”
He also asks the vice president to consider “a ban on ‘drums’ or ‘magazines’ of ammunition that can carry more than 10 bullets, which were used to deadly effect in both the Newtown and Aurora kilings.”
“These are weapons designed for war – not for hunting or protecting one’s home – and have no purpose except to kill as many people as possible without the need to reload,” Markey wrote.
In the letter, Markey also suggests recommendations requiring background checks for all gun sales (not just those from federally licensed dealers) and steps for improving the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), particularly as it relates to mental health records.
He also wants Biden to consider recommending the repeal of the restrictions imposed by the “Tiahrt Amendments,” which Markey believe “hinder the ability of law enforcement to pursue gun-related crimes,” and lifting the prohibition on federally funded firearms research.
“There is no single solution that will prevent tragedies such as the horror inflicted upon the victims and their families and loved ones in Newtown,” Markey wrote, “but the rapid advancement in firearms technology should compel lawmakers to take a hard look at the laws governing these deadly weapons.
“Each of us has a responsibility to fight for saner, safer gun laws that uphold the Second Amendment while protecting the security of our schools, streets and communities.”
Do you agree with Markey’s proposed recommendations? Let us know by posting a comment below.
Raj
9:29 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
How Ed Markey has survived this long in congress is beyond me. I guess it has a lot to do with how pitiful the Republican party existence is in this state. He comes out of the woodwork whenever there is a media event issue and sticks his finger in the air trying to come out with a statement that will sound good in a 30 second soundbite but that has no real substance. What major legislation has Markey sponsored and past in all his years in the House...and now he wants to play Senator? Time to move over and let someone else take the reigns...if not a Republican choice than how about a Democrat or Independent that will actually stand for something and fight for the lower income and middle class Taxpayer who is getting crushed by the current administration's policy (no matter how they love to pretend they fight for us) How do you all like the 2% increase in your FICA which resulted in a 2% decrease in your paycheck? Markey's big show was back when cable was new, he was trying to give consumers more choice. We got stuck with Time Warner monopoly for years then AT&T now Comcast...the only choice you have is which company you want to pay a monthly payment of $150 for service that is technically flawed, comcast or verizon? PLUS they are both going up on their rates starting next month! Good Job Ed Markey!
Thanks for nothing! Oh, and by the way, where is it that you actually live in Malden?
Mark
9:56 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
good one Raj.
well. i wont be voting for him again.
Andrew25
9:42 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I'm not sure I get this. Does he want to ban all semi-autos that are magazine feed or just ban magazines over 10 rounds. And what exactly does he consider an assault weapon?
Andrew25
9:46 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
And why the magic number 10? Should it be assumed its ok to shoot 10 people before a reload?
Mark
9:59 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
good point. it's just an incremental eroding of our 2nd amendment rights.
10 round mag, then a 5 round mag, etc...
they want to disarm the people. it's as simple as that.
allamericancity1967
10:12 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Ed who?
David Marsters
3:04 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
He is nothing but a born loser. Check his arrest record!!!!!!!!!!!!
david mokal
6:22 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Why does anyone need more than 5 rounds? If you cannot hit with the first shot you shouldnt own a firearm. Allways hunted with 6 shot revolver with 5 rounds empty on the hammer and a double barrell shot gun. What are you going to do with an assault rifle. Go bird hunting? I agree with Markey. What is everyone afraid of that they need an assault rifle? When that target starts shooting back at you ya all be runnin home to ya mama's
LOL