RI's congressional delegates call for gun control

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Credit Kristin Gourlay / RIPR

Sens. Whitehouse, Reed and Reps. Langevin, Cicilline

(Providence, RI) All four members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation gathered today to announce their commitment to pushing for stronger gun control laws.

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline say they will be united in their efforts in congress to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, or ammunition. Langevin, who was recently named to a congressional task force on preventing gun violence, says he will file a bill in the House dealing with gun sales.

"Next week I’m going to be announcing legislation that would strengthen the inspections for gun dealers and increasing penalties for improper compliance," Langevin said. "In addition, I join my colleagues in the delegation in supporting an assault weapons ban and banning magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.”

Representative David Cicilline says he will introduce a bill to prevent gun dealers from selling their inventory as a private collection and avoiding background checks.

The delegates say they anticipate strong recommendations from Vice President Joe Biden and believe there’s ample support among lawmakers traditionally opposed to gun control for some compromises.

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