Democratic lawmakers are making a renewed push for gun control through the reintroduction of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, led by Sen. Adam Schiff and supported by dozens of Senate Democrats and over 100 House co-sponsors. The proposed legislation aims to make it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices, although it would grandfather in currently owned items. Despite the support, the ban is expected to face significant challenges in Republican-controlled chambers, with opposition citing Second Amendment rights. Advocates like Sen. Alex Padilla argue the measure is about saving lives, while opponents like the NRA claim it infringes on gun rights. The U.S. previously had a similar ban from 1994 to 2004, emphasizing the ongoing contentious debate over gun control in the country.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 aims to prohibit the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices, with exceptions for currently owned items.

Democratic Senators Adam Schiff, Alex Padilla, Chris Murphy, and Richard Blumenthal are leading the charge in the Senate, backed by 37 other Senate Democrats and over 100 House co-sponsors.

The legislation is unlikely to pass in the GOP-controlled Congress, as many Americans and the NRA argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights and disarms law-abiding citizens.

During a news conference, Sen. Alex Padilla emphasized that the ban is meant to save lives and is not an attack on the Second Amendment, countering claims made by opponents.

The United States had a similar assault weapons ban from 1994 until it expired in 2004, with past presidential support emphasizing its importance for public safety.

Rep. Lucy McBath, who lost her son to gun violence, is a vocal supporter of the measure, highlighting personal and public safety concerns driving the legislation.

The NRA has publicly opposed the ban, framing it as an effort to undermine Second Amendment rights, while proponents stress its potential to prevent future violence.