A group of Democrats, led by Virginia Congressman Don Breyer, are backing a proposed 1000% tax on assault weapons.
Breyer pointed to the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Tulsa while introducing the Assault Weapons Excise Act to the United States House of Representatives.
Breyer then took to Twitter to express his views and purpose for the outrageous tax proposal. He noted, “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.
“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,” Breyer added. “It’s designed to bypass the filibuster and win Senate passage with 50 votes.”
Breyer blamed Republicans for failed gun safety, “I’ve voted for commonsense gun safety reforms only to see them run aground on Senate Republicans’ filibuster; my bill presents a pathway to bypass that obstruction and save lives.”
The proposed policy could be subject to the reconciliation process and would only need 50 votes in the Senate to pass.
The tax would apply to military-style “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines – those able to carry 10 rounds or more.
Also incuded in the proposed tax increase are “any part, combination of parts, component, device, attachment, or accessory that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm but not convert the semiautomatic firearm into a machinegun.”
According to Newsweek, Breyer has not discussed the bill with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
In a report by Business Insider, they state that “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.”
The policy would not apply to ammunition and allows for exemptions for local, state, and federal governments, including police forces and law enforcement.
Earlier this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said House Democrats would soon consider legislation banning military-style assault weapons, marking Congress’s most aggressive response on gun control.