House Democrat Formally Unveils Gun Control Measure

As promised last week following the shootings in Tucson, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) released legislation today aimed at reauthorizing a federal ban on high capacity clips.

McCarthy’s bill would prohibit large capacity ammunition magazines from being sold or traded, but those who currently possess such clips would be protected under a grandfather clause. Retired law enforcement officers would also be exempt from the ban.

Since the federal ban on assault weapons expired in 2004, McCarthy and other gun control advocates in Congress have unsuccessfully attempted to bring similar legislation to the floor.

Jared Loughner, the 22-year-old being charged in the Tucson shootings, allegedly used a magazine that carried at least 30 rounds in it. McCarthy’s bill would ban clips with capacities of more than ten rounds.

“The only purpose for the existence of these devices is to be able to shoot as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” McCarthy said. “There is no reason that these devices should be available to the general public.”

McCarthy, whose husband was shot and killed in 1994 by a gunman who used a high capacity clip, has the support of some Democratic lawmakers. However, the odds of her bill hitting the floor are slim. “I’m not supportive of it, and I don’t think it will gain much traction in the House,” said Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas).

Last week, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that President Obama would evaluate new gun control proposals. But since the Tucson incident occurred, Obama has been careful to avoid throwing his weight behind tighter gun regulation.