On Wednesday, a group of Democrats introduced a new bill to impose a 1000 percent tax on assault weapons in another push for stricter gun control.
Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer led the proposed legislation which is intended to limit the number of weapons present in American communities, including AR-15s and high-capacity magazines, Breyer said when he announced the proposal earlier this month. The bill also applies to large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
The Assault Weapons Excise Act would impose “an additional 1000 percent excise tax on the sale of large-capacity ammunition feeding devices and semiautomatic assault weapons.” The tax would impact firearms manufacturers, producers, or importers.
The bill defines “large capacity ammunition feeding devices” as “a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device” that can accept more than 10 rounds.
The Democrat then took to Twitter to express his views and purpose for the outrageous tax proposal:
“Right after he turned 18, the Uvalde shooter bought an AR-15 model rifle for $1,870. A week later he killed 19 children and 2 teachers. Under my legislation had that gun would cost $18,700, obviously making it significantly harder to acquire.”
“Congress must take action to stem the flood of weapons of war into American communities,” the Breyer said on Twitter.
NEW: Introducing the Assault Weapon Excise Act.
My bill would impose a 1000% excise tax on the manufacturer, importer, or producer of assault weapons and high capacity magazines. It’s designed to bypass the filibuster and win Senate passage with 50 votes.https://t.co/7K813ULBKn pic.twitter.com/gfXTkMIiRg
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) June 14, 2022
Breyer continued:
“Again and again assault weapons designed for use on the battlefield have been used in mass shootings at schools, grocery stores, hospitals, churches, synagogues, malls, theaters, bars, and so on. As the response in Uvalde shows, even law enforcement feel outgunned.”
“My bill would impose a 1000% excise tax on the manufacturer, importer, or producer of assault weapons and high capacity magazines. It’s designed to bypass the filibuster and win Senate passage with 50 votes.”
The bill aims to prevent the buying of guns without formally making the included firearms illegal, according to Fritschner. Due to the bill’s nature, specifically that it does not outright outlaw the purchase of firearms, Beyer intends for the bill to pass in the Senate without GOP support using the budget reconciliation process.
According to Newsweek, Breyer has not discussed the bill with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The Business Insider noted in their report:
“The cost of those weapons typically range between $500 and $2,000, depending on location and other variables. That means the plan would add $5,000 and $20,000 to the final price tag.”
Federal, state, and local governments would be exempted from the additional tax.
Thirty-six House Democrats have signed on to the bill that was introduced by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA)
Sources: Thegatewaypundit, Newsweek, Business Insider