NEW HAVEN, CT— On the first day of National Public Health Week, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) announced in a press release that she is reintroducing the SAFER (Support Assault Firearm Elimination and Education for our) Streets Act. The legislation would provide a tax credit to people who chose to turn in an assault weapon to law enforcement.
“Just days after the Newtown tragedy, President Obama asked ‘Are we doing enough to protect our children?’ And he admitted the answer is no. That must change. The SAFER Streets Act is a common-sense, constructive step to help ensure such a tragedy will never happen again. This bill would get more assault weapons off the streets.
“Assault weapons are not about hunting, or even self-defense. There is no reason on Earth, other than to kill as many people as possible in as short a time as possible, that anyone needs a gun designed for a battlefield. These weapons were used in Newtown, Aurora and countless other mass shootings across America. And they have been disproportionately used to kill law enforcement officers in the line of duty. They have no place on the streets or in our homes.”
DeLauro first introduced the legislation in the 113th Congress. The SAFER Streets Act creates a $2,000 refundable tax credit ($1,000 for two consecutive years) for an assault weapon owner who gives their firearm to law enforcement. The idea was proposed to DeLauro by Connecticut resident Joe Bango.
DeLauro is a longtime supporter of stronger laws to prevent gun violence. She supports a comprehensive ban on assault weapons as well as high capacity ammunition feeding devices, closing the “gun show loophole” to ensure background checks are conducted on all gun purchases and improvements to our health system so the millions of Americans struggling with mental health issues can get the help they need.