Thank you for contacting me to share your response to the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. I appreciate the time you took to share your views, and I welcome this opportunity to respond.
I was horrified and profoundly saddened by the senseless shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. As you know, the shooting left 26 people dead, including 20 children.
Like you, I believe strong and comprehensive action must be taken to prevent further mass shootings. Such an approach should include a focus on treating those with mental illness. I also firmly believe that we must take reasonable steps to get military-style assault weapons off our streets.
On January 24, 2013, I introduced the "Assault Weapons Ban of 2013" (S. 150). This legislation would prohibit the manufacture, sale, transfer, or importation of semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. The Bushmaster assault rifle used in the Newtown shooting would be prohibited by name under my legislation, along with 156 additional specifically-named weapons.
In addition, I believe that individuals with mental health disorders should have access to quality care. I have voted in favor of legislation that prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against those who need mental health services by charging prohibitive co-pays for such treatments. In addition, I support federal research programs designed to improve our understanding of, and identify new treatments for, a variety of mental illnesses including schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety disorders.
Please know that as I continue to work with my colleagues to enact measures designed to prevent senseless gun violence, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind. I hope you will continue to write to me on issues of importance to you. You may call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841 or visit my website at http://feinstein.senate.gov to share your views with me. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Thank you for contacting me to share your opposition to assault weapons legislation. I respect your opinion on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to provide my point of view.
Mass shootings are a serious problem in our country, and I have watched this problem get worse and worse over the 40 years I have been in public life. From the 1966 shooting rampage at the University of Texas that killed 14 people and wounded 32 others, to the Newtown massacre that killed 20 children and 6 school teachers and faculty, I have seen more and more of these killings. I have had families tell me that they no longer feel safe in a mall, in a movie theater, in their business, and in other public places, because these deadly weapons are so readily available. These assault weapons too often fall into the hands of grievance killers, juveniles, gangs, and the deranged.
I recognize that the Second Amendment provides an individual right to bear arms, but I do not believe that right is unlimited or that it precludes taking action to prevent mass shootings. Indeed, in the same Supreme Court decision that recognized the individual right to bear arms, District of Columbia v. Heller, the Court also held that this right, like other constitutional rights, is not unlimited. That is why assault weapons bans have consistently been upheld in the courts, both before and after the Heller decision. I believe regulation of these weapons is appropriate.
Once again, thank you for your letter. Although we may disagree, I appreciate hearing from you and will be mindful of your thoughts as the debate on this issue continues. If you have any additional comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
I recognize that the Second Amendment provides an individual right to bear arms, but I do not believe that right is unlimited
I called my senator today. Senator Marco Rubio. Of course, he's already joined the Paul filibuster so it's almost redundant. But no time to lose our guard.