Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with The Million Mom March: Since Congress Has Fewer Than 20 Working Days Before Assault Weapons Ban Expires, President Needs to Stop Playing Games

6/24/2004

From: Peter Hamm of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with The Million Mom March, 202-898-0792

WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The following was released today by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with The Million Mom March:

"Ken Lisaius, a White House spokesman, said Bush still supports the ban, but is waiting for the House to act." -- Boston Globe, June 24, 2004

"An aide to House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) has said privately that if Bush pushes for it, the ban will probably be reauthorized. But if he doesn't, the chances of legislation's passing this year are remote." -- The Hill, May 12, 2004

The federal assault weapons ban will expire Sept. 13 if President Bush doesn't get Congress to reauthorize the ban.

The White House says the President is waiting for the House to act. Aides to the Speaker of the House say they are waiting for President Bush to ask.

Why in the world would anyone want to play politics with an issue this serious?

Law Enforcement Organizations Supporting Renewal of the Ban

-- International Association of Chiefs of Police

-- Major Cities Chiefs Association

-- Police Foundation

-- Police Executive Research Forum

-- International Brotherhood of Police Officers

-- National Association of School Resource Officers

-- National Fraternal Order of Police

-- National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

-- Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association

-- National Black Police Association

-- National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives

-- Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police