Details- Sponsor - Kennedy
- Proposed - February 26, 2004
- Congressional Record Link - SA2619
- Amends - SB1805
- Amendments - None.
- Vote - 2004-028 - March 2, 2004, 34-63 Amendment failed.
- Result - No change in law.
SynopsisSenate Amendment 2619 was introduced by Senator Kennedy on February 26, 2004. The amendment set performance based standards for the outlawing of ammunition. The power of determination was placed in the hands of the Attorney General.
AnalysisKerry:
"I've been a hunter since I was about 12 years old, and I went through the whole progression, you know, BB gun to .22s to .30-30, you name it." From The Philadelphia Daily News.
Kennedy:
Another rifle caliber, the 30.30 caliber, was responsible for penetrating three officers' armor and killing them in 1993, 1996, and 2002. This ammunition is also capable of puncturing light-armored vehicles, ballistic or armored glass, armored limousines, even a 600-pound safe with 600 pounds of safe armor plating." From the Congressional Record.
Keep in mind that the .30-30 has never been used in a military weapon and the cartridge has never been available with a hard metal core making it a traditional 'armor piercing' round. If you would like more information on the .30-30 and its long history by Neal Knox, go here.
The bottom line here is the following:
Kerry knows exactly what a .30-30 is. By his own statements, he has shot them.
Kennedy believes that citizens should not have access to cartridges as powerful as the .30-30.
Kennedy statements show that he has no clue as to the capabilities of the cartridge. He also reveals that his goal is to ban virtually all rifle cartridges.
Knowing exactly what the situation is, Kerry makes no attempt to educate Kennedy. Instead he votes in favor of this amendment.
What does the amendment say?The Attorney General will define standards for the uniform testing of projectiles against 'Body Armor Exemplar'. 'Body Armor Exemplar' is defined to mean body armor that meets minimum standards for law enforcement officers.
Handgun - The Attorney General determines what ammunition is capable of penetrating the chosen body armor.
Centerfire Rifle - The Attorney General determines what projectile is 'more likely to penetrate body armor than standard ammunition of the same caliber'.
This amendment would change two sections of United States Code: Section 921(a)(17)(B) of title 18 and Section 926 of title 18. This first section of code defines '''armor piercing ammunition'' and thereby changes all laws currently on the books relating to ''armor piercing ammunition'' with the new definition. Section 926 of title 18 defines the powers of the Attorney General with respect to firearms.
If you want to read the amendment for yourself go here. It is in the right hand column.
What did Kennedy say in defense of this amendment?
"We have to ask ourselves, What is the problem? The problem has been 17 law enforcement officers have been killed, according to the FBI, from armor-piercing bullets. Deer and ducks do not wear armor vests. Police officers wear armor vests." From the Congressional Record.
Consider: If this is such a concern, what do the experts in the field say? The Fraternal Order of Police is against this amendment. See their letter to Senator Craig.
"Armor-piercing projectiles contain a core of hardened steel or tungsten carbide which allows it to penetrate metal objects. That is what our police officers are up against." From the Congressional Record.
Consider: Is this concern addressed by this amendment? No, read the amendment.
"In a recent report, the ATF identified three, .223 and the 7.62 caliber rifles, as the ones most frequently encountered by police officers. These high-capacity rifles, the ATF wrote, pose an enhanced threat to law enforcement, in part because of their ability to expel particles at velocities that are capable of penetrating the type of soft body armor typically worn by law enforcement officers." From the Congressional Record.
Consider: Here is the real deal on what Kennedy is trying to do with this amendment. If the .223 and the 30-30 is considered too powerful for civilian use, is there any rifle caliber that is ok? This kind of legislation will make large game hunting illegal in any state where a .24 caliber is required.
What effect would this bill have on the sportsman's world?This is the million dollar question. The effects of this bill are dependent upon the determinations of the Attorney General. Those determinations could change from administration to administration. We do know that the minimum body armor available is referred to as 'Threat Level 1'. It is designed to stop a .38 Special at close range. This bill could immediately outlaw ammunition for any handgun more powerful than the .38 Special.
We also know that virtually every centerfire rifle cartridge produced can penetrate the best body armor available.
If Kennedy were to get what he wanted in this amendment, we could own our guns but never fire them again.
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