Iowans deserve freedom from gun violence

Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House passing the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022:

“No matter which part of Iowa we come from, most of us, including gun owners, support common sense gun laws like the Assault Weapons Ban passed today with bipartisan support.

“The bipartisan assault weapons ban would protect all of us from gun violence. When a similar ban was in place from 1994-2004, mass shooting fatalities were seventy percent less likely to occur. That’s why gun owners, including police, support laws that deliver freedom from gun violence and improve safety.

“Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, all three of Iowa’s Republican House members voted against this bipartisan bill. Rep. Cindy Axne was the only member of Iowa’s congressional delegation to support this legislation that would no doubt prevent gun violence and save lives.

“We are calling on Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to honor the lives of those lost to gun violence and vote ‘yes’ on this legislation to keep our communities safe, prevent further tragedy, and deliver freedom from gun violence to Iowans.”