Columbia Standard

On the seventh anniversary of the Parkland school shooting, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth from Illinois have joined Senator Alex Padilla in introducing a bill to raise the minimum age for purchasing assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. This change aligns with existing federal regulations for handgun purchases.

Durbin stated, "Gun violence continues to shatter families and communities throughout America. Our existing laws allow far too many guns to fall into the wrong hands. That is why I’m signing onto the Age 21 Act, which prohibits the sale of assault weapons, handguns, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and related ammunition to individuals under the age of 21." He emphasized that this legislation is part of broader efforts needed to address gun violence across the nation.

Duckworth added, "Congress cannot sit by and do nothing while gun violence remains the number one killer of children in America. As we remember the 17 lives cut short at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, we must honor their memory with action. The Age 21 Act is commonsense gun safety legislation that would help prevent mass shootings and do more to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who would seek to harm themselves or others."

The proposed legislation addresses a national crisis where over 46,000 lives were lost due to gun violence in 2023 alone. Assault weapons are often used in mass shootings because they can cause significant harm quickly. Statistics show that over 85% of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles.

The bill applies restrictions on both federally licensed and private sellers regarding sales to individuals under 21. There are limited exceptions for those serving in law enforcement or armed forces.

In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, and Padilla, several other senators support the Age 21 Act: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The legislation has garnered endorsements from organizations such as Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety.

Both Durbin and Duckworth have been active proponents of gun safety measures. They supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which includes provisions like expanding background checks for buyers under 21 years old and funding mental health support for victims of gun violence.

Durbin's tenure as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee saw efforts like hearings on public safety post-Bruen decision, filing amicus briefs against legal challenges related to firearm possession bans for domestic violence offenders, condemning Supreme Court decisions on bump stocks, and introducing anti-trafficking firearms legislation.