From the Vault: Debating the Assault Weapons Ban in 2004

Washington Week with The Atlantic
Air Date: 09/09/04 | Rating: NR

The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown one-year ago renewed debate about gun control, but legislation requiring background checks on gun purchases failed to pass the Senate. In 2004, as the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban was set to expire, Congress debated renewing the ban on semiautomatic rifles.Gebe Martinez of The Houston Chronicle explained why Congress chose to let the 10-year ban expire.

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