$100 tax on every gun: Congresswoman introducing anti-violence bill
A new bill would tax gun owners at a rate of $100 per firearm with proceeds going towards anti-violence and mental health programs.
Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-NY., said the measure would reduce the number of guns in circulation and providing needed funding for programs aimed at reducing violence. The legislation will be introduced in the U.S. House this week.
“Gun violence is a plague on our city that shatters lives and tears families apart,” Velázquez said. “This bill will take meaningful steps to address the issue, reducing the flow of guns on the street, empowering law enforcement to better track missing weapons, while investing in community anti-violence programs.”
Velazquez’s proposal would assess a $100 federal tax on the sale of all new firearms. Revenue generated from the tax would go to the Department of Justice for safety and mental health improvement grants.
“If making guns more expensive means fewer end up in commerce, I’m happy with that result,” Velázquez said. “However, if guns are going to be sold, then those purchasing and selling them should pay for programs that can reduce the incidence of gun violence in our local communities.”
The “Reducing Gun Violence in Our Neighborhoods Act” would also strengthen the reporting requirements related to lost or stolen guns and establish a national database of missing weapons. It would also require all gun owners to report any stolen weapons within 48 hours or face a $10,000 penalty.
According to the National Rifle Association, Americans have acquired more than 170 million new firearms since 1991. The Congressional Research Service estimated the number of firearms in the U.S. at more than 310 million.
The measure has received the support of the Brooklyn and Queens District Attorneys, local gun control organizations and various community groups.
Velasquez’s proposal is just the latest in a series of gun control measures introduced by Congressional Democrats. Earlier this summer, another New York Congresswoman, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, introduced a measure that would require gun owners to have liability insurance coverage before being allowed to purchase a weapon or face a fine of up to $10,000.
Wild Thing’s comment.…………
And how does she propose to tax the street gangs and all the other bad guys. sheesh.
I can’t stand these democrats………………. fill in here with bad ass cussing.