U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the 24 Democratic candidates vying for the 2020 presidential election, unveiled his comprehensive plan for gun control last week.
With gun control among his top campaign issues, Swalwell introduced a plan that includes bans, waiting periods, storage requirements and more, his website explains in detail.
Swalwell was joined by his family and gun violence victims at a rally in Fairfax, Va. in front of the National Rifle Association head office on June 17 to unveil the plan.
On his website, Swalwell asserts that guns are designed for killing and contribute to the rates of murder, suicide, and general gun violence. He says gun violence can only be stopped by voting in a president who puts “gun control at the top of the agenda.”
Swalwell’s plan includes a ban and buyback program for “military-style semiautomatic assault weapons” which he argues are designed for military and law enforcement use. The only exception would be for guns used at shooting ranges and hunting clubs.
“A ban-and-buy-back plan is an investment in the right to live,” his plan insists. It also adds that it would prosecute those who break the law, but does not explain details of enforcement.
Swalwell tweeted, “Iowans care about ending gun violence. Americans care about ending gun violence. I am the only candidate calling for a #BanAndBuyback of military-style assault weapons; I will be your champion for this issue.”
Iowans care about ending gun violence. Americans care about ending gun violence.
I am the only candidate calling for a #BanAndBuyback of military-style assault weapons; I will be your champion for this issue. pic.twitter.com/icczOpnItu
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) June 15, 2019
A ban and buyback program would also be established for bump stocks, high-capacity magazines, and silencers.
Swalwell also targets purchasing with several rules. Every gun purchased, transferred, or donated would be subjected to mandatory registration and liability insurance purchase requirements. Further, all buyers would be required to wait 48 hours before taking receipt of their new gun, and could not buy more than one gun in a month.
Swalwell’s plan also targets ammunition. He proposes a ban on online ammunition sales, and would bar anyone from buying more than 200 rounds of ammunition each month. Further, he would prohibit anyone from owning more than 200 rounds of ammunition per caliber to stop people from “hoarding ammunition.”
Universal background checks are also a part of Swalwell’s plan, and would implement background checks for all firearm and ammunition purchases, regardless of whether the seller is federally licensed, a gun show vendor, or a private seller.
Swalwell calls for investment in poverty-stricken and minority communities. His plan lays out a federal law to combat gun trafficking, and new policies for ballistics collection and database to reduce gang violence.
Additionally, he wants to create standards for securely storing firearms, and prohibit people considered high risk from being able to own a firearm, including Social Security recipients and those with mental illness.
Swalwell would also like to ban any school teacher from carrying a gun, and instead implement threat assessment programs and mental health professionals in schools.
Finally, Swalwell also calls for the repeal of the Protection for Lawful Commerce in Guns Act, which would enable gun manufacturers to be held liable for gun violence.
