National PTA Commends Members of Congress
for Proposed Ban on Military-Style Assault Weapons
and High-Capacity Magazines

Reaffirms gun violence prevention priorities

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (January 24, 2013)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA® President Betsy Landers:

National PTA commends Members of Congress for taking swift legislative action on gun violence prevention and supports today’s introduction of the Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2013.

Under the leadership of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the group introduced legislation to limit the availability of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices.

The proposed legislation falls in line with National PTA’s positions on gun violence prevention and National PTA agrees with Sen. Feinstein in that Congress must act to:

• Ban the sale and possession of military-style assault weapons;
• Ban large-capacity ammunition feeding devices capable of accepting more than 10 rounds;

PTA is confident that enactment will improve public safety while protecting the Second Amendment.

National PTA believes this is a significant first step in ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. We look forward to continued work with Congress to enact and implement reasonable gun violence prevention measures, including consideration of legislative solutions that provide safety training and comprehensive mental health services while keeping schools completely gun-free.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.