WHEREAS:

            Law enforcement officers, caseworkers, and other public employees have been shot and killed by assault weapons on the job — and for others the threat continues; and

WHEREAS:

            Our cities are war zones and our hospital emergency rooms must hire specialists in treating gunshot wounds; and

WHEREAS:

            The Brady Bill, enacted in 1993, is an important step in keeping guns away from potential killers; and

WHEREAS:

            Many Americans, including hunters, target shooters and law enforcement officers, support a ban on assault weapons; and

WHEREAS:

            Millions of responsible Americans use rifles and shotguns for hunting, target practice and other legitimate purposes; assault weapons are specifically designed to kill people, indiscriminately and in large numbers; and

WHEREAS:

            Criminals are increasingly using assault weapons against law enforcement officials and they have even entered our schools; and

WHEREAS:

            Congress is currently considering comprehensive anti-crime legislation which can stop the violence and killing inflicted by assault weapons.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            AFSCME support federal legislation banning the manufacture, possession or transfer of semiautomatic assault weapons while exempting the manufacture, possession and sale of rifles and shotguns used for sporting and other legitimate purposes.

SUBMITTED BY:

The Resolutions Committee

David Rader, Delegate
Local 843, Council 28
Washington