Representative Matheson, Senator Lee, and Senator Hatch, I am writing you all at the same time.
I wanted to express my opinion on H.R. 226, the "Support Assault Firearms Elimination and Reduction for our Streets Act." I cannot find this entered as a bill in the Senate, yet; but wanted to ensure my thoughts were heard by all of you (should this make it to the Senate).
Aside from this bill being a potential first step down a slippery slope, by laying the groundwork for a "paid" confiscation program; it also calls for the allocation of Federal funds we do not have. My generation, and my children's generation (and their children) cannot afford to dig this country out of the mountain of debt that has been created by ignorant spending on a Federal level, without action being taken now. Adding to the debt with this tax credit program is absolutely not the answer.
In addition, this bill has some substantial flaws that completely cripple its intent, and have an unintended impact on the firearms market. Due to the wording of the bill, and the "catch all" categories, this bill would allow people to purchase cheap semi-automatic .22 caliber rifles with detachable magazines for $100 (or less), add a $15-30 pistol grip or folding stock, and claim a $2,000 tax credit. Some examples of the rifles that fit this category, and can be found in working condition for as little as $30: Ruger 10/22, Marlin 785/795/985, Marlin 70, Remington 597, Remington Viper, Henry (and others) AR-7, Savage 64, and more.
With a barely-functional and beat-up $30 Marlin 785, a used $30 pistol grip stock, and a trip to the local turn-in location, a person could net $1,940 in profit.
Not only do rifles like that allow for massive fraud, but their new "tax value" will cause prices to rise incrementally. Eventually, those formerly affordable (even 'cheap') .22 caliber rifles would all be priced at $2,000 or more, since that's what they're worth as a tax credit. ...That's in addition to every "assault weapon" in the U.S. being driven to a minimum price of $2,000, as well (more than 2 to 3 times the average price in November 2012).
In effect, the "tax credit" program would actually be levying an unofficial ban on any rifle that qualified for the program, by pricing them beyond the reach of the average citizen.
Overall, I oppose the legislation. In particular, the potential for financial fraud is a big concern. In general, we don't have the funds for such a program, to begin with.
Thank you for your time, and letting me address all three of you at the same time.