Representatives Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and John Conyers (D-MI) have introduced H.R. 2038, the Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2003, that will not only make the assault weapon and high-capacity magazine ban permanent, but also will significantly strengthen current law. The bill simplifies the definition of assault weapon to include any semiautomatic rifle, shotgun, or pistol that can accept a detachable magazine and includes one listed additional feature that represent the essence of an assault weapon. The bill also expands the number of weapons specifically banned by name to include assault weapons – such as the Bushmaster XM15 used by the Washington sniper – that were specifically designed to evade the 1994 law.

Foy states, "Ironically, firearms are one of the most lethal consumer products in America, yet the least regulated for health and safety. The gun industry has successfully circumvented the current law through design modifications, it is time to focus on assault weapons as a public health problem and demand greater federal oversight of these killing machines." The Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition represents over 40 consumer professionals from public and private organizations that are concerned with protecting consumers. We are proud to be part of this national movement to strengthen the Assault Weapons Ban and applaud Representatives Michael Capuano, William Delahunt, Barney Frank, Edward Markey, Martin Meehan, James McGovern, John Olver and John Tierney for cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.