July 29, 2022

Congressman Castro Votes to Ban Assault Weapons Used in Uvalde, El Paso, and Sutherland Springs Mass Shootings

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) voted for the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, legislation that would prohibit new importation, sale, manufacturing, or transfer of semi-automatic assault weapons or large capacity ammunition feeding devices for civilian use. Semi-automatic weapons have become the firearm of choice for mass shooters because they are designed to kill as many people as quickly as possible.

“The horrific scenes of carnage in Uvalde, El Paso, Sutherland Springs, and so many other mass shootings were made possible by assault weapons that have no place on our streets,” said Congressman Castro. “With an assault rifle in hand, a dangerous person can kill dozens of people before anyone has the chance to react. We need swift, decisive action to change that and keep our communities safe. The Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 echoes the bipartisan law that passed the Senate in 1994, and I hope today’s senators will do the right thing and send this bill to the president’s desk."

Under the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, Texans would still be permitted to possess, sell, or transfer semi-automatic weapons that were lawfully owned before the date of the bill’s enactment. The ban does not apply to assault weapons that are permanently inoperable and/or antique. The bill would also allow state or local governments to use federal grant funding to establish or fund gun buyback programs.

To view a fact sheet on the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, click here.