CAPAC Endorses Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in the aftermath of the tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) endorsed the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2023. CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) announced the Caucus’ endorsement at a press conference for the bill’s introduction today, alongside its main author Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01).

The Assault Weapons Ban Act would prohibit the sale, transfer, manufacture, and importation of semiautomatic weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices across the country. The House of Representatives passed this legislation in the 117th Congress.

Addressing CAPAC’s endorsement of this legislation, Chair Chu issued the following statement:

“After three years of increasing anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents, the two recent tragic events involving the mass shooting of members of the AAPI community have exacerbated the fear and anxiety already felt by so many. That is why I am proud to announce that CAPAC fully endorses the Assault Weapons Ban Act as an essential measure in keeping our communities safe.

“Assault weapons are solely designed for inflicting maximum damage – and are the firearm of choice for mass shootings. Weapons of war have no place in our streets, schools, grocery stores, places of worship, movie theaters, or dance studios. All Americans deserve to feel safe and protected from hate and violence, and we in CAPAC will continue working towards eliminating gun violence and protecting our communities.”