Departing GOP Rep. Jacobs Introduces ‘Assault Weapons Licensing Act’

Outgoing Republican Rep. Chris Jacobs of western New York has introduced legislation to require a license to "acquire or receive" a so-called "assault weapon." (Dave Workman photo)
So-called “semiautomatic assault weapons.” (Dave Workman photo)

U.S.A.-(AmmoLand.com)- Republican New York Congressman Chris Jacobs, who received a “C-minus” rating recently in the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s 2022 Congressional “Report Card,” has introduced legislation to “require a license to acquire or receive an assault weapon, and for other purposes.”

It is not likely this legislation will gain much traction, considering Jacobs announced in June he would not be running for another term, “amid backlash over his support for new gun control measures,” as reported in June by WXXI News. At the time, according to the report, Jacobs said he was retiring rather than face what would almost certainly have been “an incredibly divisive election.” His announcement came after he had already been campaigning to run in the recently re-drawn 23rd District.

Jacobs was one of only two Republicans who crossed the aisle in July to vote for H.R. 1808, the House bill to ban the future manufacture and sale of so-called “assault weapons.” The other Republican was Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. The legislation was loudly condemned by gun rights organizations, and major news organizations almost unanimously predicted it would not pass the Senate, which is evenly split.

According to a press release from Jacobs’ office, this new legislation “would create a new licensing system for any American seeking to purchase a new assault weapon – anyone who already owns an assault weapon at the time of enactment would be grandfathered in.” That exemption also applies to active duty military and law enforcement officers.

This licensing process “would require an individual to take a mandatory safety course, pass an FBI background check, submit fingerprints, and provide proof of identity.” The license would have to be renewed every five years if the licensee wants to purchase or obtain additional semi-auto rifles.

Jacobs’ press release also stated, “If an individual fails to pass a background check at the time of purchase, disqualifying information becomes available, or DOJ finds an individual poses a threat to themselves or others, their license can be withdrawn. Importantly, this bill will also increase the availability of information on criminals that the FBI draws from when conducting a background check. The bill also contains protections for the privacy and constitutional rights of license holders.”

The measure, H.R. 8882, was introduced Sept. 19, and complete language had still not been posted by the House three days later. Considering Jacobs’ earlier vote on banning so-called “assault weapons,” Second Amendment activists in the Empire State might wonder if this is some sort of “going away” gesture.

Jacobs’ current 27th Congressional District is located in northwest New York State, encompassing the suburban Buffalo region. Four months ago, on May 14, a then-19-year-old southern New York resident identified as Payton Gendron allegedly entered a Tops supermarket in Buffalo and fatally shot 10 people with a so-called “assault-style” rifle. The suspect turned 19 in June. The supermarket is located in a predominantly Black neighborhood, and the attack appears to have been racially motivated, according to several published reports.

While Jacobs claims his bill “will better ensure these guns do not fall into the wrong hands, while still protecting Americans’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” there is no guarantee—as with any other gun control legislation—that determined criminals will be prevented from obtaining any such firearm.

According to WKBW News, Jacobs insists his proposal is “common sense gun legislation.” Gun rights activists might suggest this sounds like rhetoric from the gun prohibition lobby.

“We can honor and protect our Second Amendment,” Jacobs said in a prepared statement, “while also ensuring that dangerous weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. We must do more to ensure the safety of our schools and communities, and I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this legislation.”

At this writing, H.R. 8882 did not have a single co-sponsor, and with midterms looming, attaching one’s name to such a bill might be a problem, especially for incumbents in swing districts.

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About Dave Workman

Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms, and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.

Dave Workman

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Ledesma

No more permits. No more stupid licenses. No more “extended” background checks. No more dumb trigger locks. They’re just pulling your chain folks because if they don’t trust you with a firearm by now then a new piece of paper won’t convince them either.

JH1961

It isn’t a matter of ‘trust’. It’s FEAR.

USMC0351Grunt

I usually produce my DD-214 and it seems to intimidate the young-uns at the licensing bureau so all they do is process and send as soon as possible.I shouldn’t have to do that but it gets the message across real quick about the issue of, “training”.

swmft

biggest laugh I get is cmp with their rules ,they put my order up front because I worked for dea…how is that right, I can wait my turn…but it is nice with background checks, I think they have a white list for ex feds local police do not seam to be on it bought something that came through my local form3 transfer less than 2 hours I would have left if I was not talking with people waiting oks for “normal” transfers thinking two to six months almost feal guilty….something that should be everyone’s right I am privileged to ,really… Read more »

Wild Bill

Another politician that has lined his pockets enough for the rest of his life is now departing, and has nothing to lose.

Enemy of Democracy

I am old enough to remember US. Dem. Sen.Dennis DeConcini of AZ. who was more of a 2nd Amd. supporter than RINO McCain. (he was known for calling batf a bunch of jack booted thugs.) Also it was Mits dad George {a Rockefeller Rebublican, they were called back then) who led the mob to destroy Goldwaters Presdential campaign against LBJ. names change, song remains the same.

Wild Bill

Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, the Kinks!

Last edited 2 years ago by Wild Bill
Wild Bill

Those vinyl albums are worth a fortune, now-a-days.

Enemy of Democracy

I listen to every thing from Benny Goodman to ZZ Top, Lena Horne to Darius Rucker and Patsy Cline to Joe Cocker.

Enemy of Democracy

Stopped in Nashville last week on a cross country road trip saw The Gatlin Bros. and Mark Wills at the Opry. Also was amazed at the talent, playing for tips, in almost every restaurant and bar.

Enemy of Democracy

Downside was the No Firearms signs were almost universal.

Enemy of Democracy

I couldn’t agree more. I ignore most of the signs and CC anyway, some of the larger venues have metal detectors now. Could not carry nail clippers into Jefferson’s Monticello.

Enemy of Democracy

He must be rolling in his grave!

Wild Bill

Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s house. He designed it himself, and famously forgot to account for the distance that the mortar between the bricks took up. So he ordered too many bricks. You can walk on the very road that the British marched up to try to capture Jefferson. You can see Jefferson’s garden, nail making operation, even Jefferson’s office and letter copier. Monticello is just outside of Charlottesville, Va. where the University of Va, my alma mater, is located. UVA was also built by Jefferson. If a guy was looking to take a vacation, Monticello, UVA, and Charlottesville would be… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Wild Bill
Boom

How bout a Desantis / Trump ticket?

Plus that would leave it, one more; open for the future too ya know?

Boom

I kind of thought that would be the consensus…

Boom

Indeed. But also look at their Twitter post history… Trump’s Twitter account is what really did him in, especially amongst sheeple…

Regardless, I don’t think a President should be “tweeting”…

I do realize that he would have been assaulted whether he was tweeting or not… But it certainly didn’t help matters.

Boom

Yeah I guess so

USMC0351Grunt

You have to remember, Trump is what? 77? 78?

USMC0351Grunt

Damn straight. And it’s time we get the State AG’s to start indicting the dead beats through grand jury indictments and get em tossed out of office instead of “waiting to vote them out”.

USMC0351Grunt

I really think we are going to.We are running out of choices to save this nation.

swmft

and the young seem to be stupider withe each generation

Enemy of Democracy

We got to tour the Ryman but the shows were sold out. Funny we took in Pidgeon Forge 2 summers ago. I share your dislike of big cities Nashville traffic drove me Nuts.

Enemy of Democracy

I had heard the same about
Nashville BBQ so did not try any.
Dolly Wood was closed when there in 2020, I assume because of Wuhan. Still plenty of other attractions and shows.
If you enjoy small family friendly amusement parks check out Knobles Grove near Elysburg PA. family owned, free admission, reasonable food and ride prices. Most rides are restored antiques, as old as us, tent and RV camping next to the park is pricey but not outrageous. Music ranges from average to awful.

Enemy of Democracy

Him too, Glenn Miller to Glen Yarbrough, all genres as long as they are good at what they do, heard Ice Tea do a rap version of Johnny Cash’s Don’t take Your Guns to town, haven’t been able to find it any where since.

Enemy of Democracy

Oldvet & 3%er Jan & Dean, The Association
Jon Sebastian, Turtles, The Grass Roots, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry…….

USMC0351Grunt

That’s a chilly part of history to recall when it’s late at night and it’s thundering and lightning out.

USMC0351Grunt

I toured with good deal of all those bands you mentioned either as a stage manager, stagehand or bus driver. (MOST excellent job in the world until the started making us do log books) Driving 40 and 45′ Silver Eagles, Prevosts, Dinas and Van Hools. Fast money, fast ride, fast life. But it was all fun!

Garth, Johnny Winter, CSN, Van Halen, Tammy Wynette, Tesla, Slash, Areth Franklin, Iron Butterfly loads of them form 85 thru 2001

Boom

Well that’s pretty cool

Ansel Hazen

This is why any legislator with an R next to their name needs to be scrutinized with a microscope.

Tionico

Right. How’s about a background check, FBI report, social media examination, political history evaluation, education history, and employment history for ALL candidates for public office..AFTER they have passed a comrehensive examination on constitutional government.

Boom

I think you should make that happen …

USMC0351Grunt

EXACTLY! “Beware the Trojan Horse!” and a LOTS of Dems are shifting gears to the Republican side this year. THAT SPELLS DISASTER and most Republicans are welcoming them with open arms?

As if we didn’t see THIS play out in Afghanistan with the Afghanistan forces that were being trained by our troops, turn and fire on the very troops training them! WAKE THE FUCK UP AMERICA!

Last edited 2 years ago by USMC0351Grunt
Montana454Casull

No wonder he is retiring, his C rating just went to a F rating . Clowns on both sides of the aisle are running from being exposed for what they really are. Complete on the take money grubbing commie idiots ! This clown has now exposed himself as fitting in all the above descriptions.

Boom

He’ll be back.

Wild Bill

The Fat Boy Institute was created by a memo; and can be decommissioned by a memo. It would just take the right man.

USMC0351Grunt

I’ve got a feeling that man and memo are soon coming.

swmft

hold that good thought and add memo for atf

Jonesy

Lots of RINOs do lots of damage.

JMacZ

Nice stupid and completely asinine parting shot for this buffoon Republican New York Congressman Chris Jacobs. A true dyed jn the wool RINO. Must want to come back as a democRat.

Jarhead

I’m not worried about it, I have never owed a assault weapon I had one when I served 68-74 USMC now that was a real assault weapon.I do believe the ones civilians have are called something else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jonesy

Yes they are, Jarhead. Though according to the Police, a baseball bat is an assault weapon.

swmft

your hand swinging is an assault weapon ,battery is striking. think they started using term because using term threatening and striking does not sound as bad

Last edited 2 years ago by swmft
hippybiker

That would be MSR’S Modern Sporting Rifles!

Boom

No, that was just a service rifle ….it wasn’t an Assault weapon, then; either…

GomeznSA

Boom – you can call it a ‘service rifle’ but it still meets the military and legal definition of an assault rifle which is not a pejorative term, unless it gets used interchangeably with the bogus ‘assault weapon’ term – which the antis and the lame stream media repeatedly do.

Boom

Ok.

In all my years in the military, I have never heard of a rifle being refered to as an assault rifle .. yes that term has legally been defined but I’ve never seen any curriculum, syllabus, field manual, technical manual, schoolhouse, course, qualification, Etc; ever refer to a rifle as an assault rifle….

But then again, I was not the Wehrmacht, nor Bundeswher..

Tionico

I don’t like them either, don’t own one and don’t want to’HOWEVER I will fight hard for the right of anyone to own one, unless a Prohibited Person.
same with Bump Stocks, fifty round mags, full auto, etc.
ANY weapon of military usefulness is protected as “arms”.

Boom

Bump stocks are ugly

GomeznSA

‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ 😉

Chuck

My sentiments as well. Just because I don’t own or want one, doesn’t mean someone else should be denied one.
“Shall Not Be Infringed” extends to parts and gizmos as far as I’m concerned.

GomeznSA

Sorry Jar but what you had was not an “assault weapon” since there is no such thing. What you had was an assault rifle (nee ‘sturmgewehr’) which has a very specific military and legal definition. Unfortunately far too many folks conflate the terms which ‘well’ serves the goal of the character who popularized that bogus term – to sow confusion amongst the rabble who do not know anything about guns. NOTE I am not picking on ya by any means but we must be careful about the terms we use.* *FWIW I qualified on the M16A1, the M16 and the… Read more »

USMC0351Grunt

Odd as hell, when I was in the Corps, I was an 0351 and THAT MOS is called, “Assaultman” and THAT is the only time and place we ever heard that term. In the Weapons Platoon we had 0331’s, Machine Gunners, 0341’s Mortarmen and then 0351’s Anti-Tank Assaultmen. And our service weapons. Gunners carried 45’s and all else carried M-16’s.

swmft

the term does not mean what they put it out as , and they warp words so much as to make a whole other language ,,,twisted bunch of mindless idiots

Wild Bill

That is scary.

DDS

Seems to me that we do need to pass some kind of license requirement. Politicians should be required to pass a basic test on the US and/or their state constitutions before they can run for office.

That’s a license I could vote for.

Wild Bill

I love the idea, but I can hear the screaming already!

Boom

Haha!

DDS is funny…

Roland T. Gunner

Guy’s not a Republican; he’s a shitbag.

GomeznSA

Roland – those individuals who are ‘sentenced’ to the use of colostomy bags just ‘might’ take exception with being compared to that particular low life.

UncAl

After all the conjecture and lecturing, you would think that at least “one” DumboRat would realize that we never had “assault rifles”; instead they were in reality “Armalite Rifles”!!!!

boredonsight

one of the greatest accomplishments of the djt admin is that it exposed

the gop’s attachment to the lefts agenda

once the left figured out to take off their sheets and replace them with the

suit and ties for the cameras ,,post 1960

the gop started snuggling up to the welfare states appeal

boredonsight

this is why lefty and rinos keep criminals out of prison

so that the good people will have to endure the

lawsuits and possible prison time etc as the citizen

faces the juries and the leo is no longer has his/her pension on the line

and the city sees a decrease in payouts etc

but the fear factor to the good guy for defending themselves???

priceless to the communis/na zi lefty

JMacZ

And yet the C Suite denizens complete that we don’t have any trust in them.

TGP389

How can it be a right if you have to get permission? Enough of this crap.

KK

This guy Jacobs is a real SOB. This is a subversion of the Second Amendment. Beyond these “licenses” being an intimidation to anyone who wants to purchase an “assault weapon” (Which goes way beyond an AR/AK rifle. There is a LONG list of firearms that are controlled.) WE ARE WATCHING YOU! Beyond classes being meant to price the Second Amendment out of reach of many American citizens. (The cost of “classes and range time” to be eligible for a concealed carry license and comply with the new NY CCIA law is $1,500.00. They are not sure if this will be… Read more »

jukk0u

GOP is broken.

Boom

Apparently so.

JH1961

Politicians that willfully violate their Oath of Office should be publicly stripped, tarred and feathered, and deposited on the opposite side of our border.

USMC0351Grunt

You can go all day long with “Willful Neglect” but with an apathetic citizenry NOT demanding their State AG’s or the USAG, (Which is a joke) to convene a Grand Jury and investigate and indict as necessary?

https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/willful-neglect-of-duty

swmft

name one time title 18 has been used against government agency , they protect each other even when they dont agree…keep the money flowing from that teat

USMC0351Grunt

The idiot that tried to sell Obama’s senate seat in Illinois? The Anthony Weiner saga?

Last edited 2 years ago by USMC0351Grunt
james

What about due process? So the DOJ makes the call vs a jury of my peers?

DOJ finds an individual poses a threat to themselves or others

Wild Bill

Well, James what process do you think is due prior to being put on some lis?. I ask because due process comes from the expectations of a free people.

Juries are part of the process that is due to the accused in a criminal trial or civil suit, and we, as free people, expect that.

Boom

Whoa. That’s interesting..at the least..

Boom

Stop paying federal taxes. I dare you.

Boom

Yes, that’s part of it… Alot of it ..

Boom

There’s some “dudes” with some real ‘Bitch Tendencies’ on this site nowadays… Just like socialism is the minor of communism, so called men having Bitch Tendencies is the minor of being a neo-marxist fascist pig. Pettiness. The Hallmark of idiocy. This is not directed at you Mr Workman. Sound the Charge. Come. What. Will. ………little punkass dweebs…I bet you three took the shot, too. I bet you three are just as steeped in cancel culture, as the rest of your so-called woke mob… My 10yr Daughter has more intestinal fortitude then the three of you ever will…. ……and she’s a… Read more »

Roland T. Gunner

I bet your family just dreads sitting down around the dinner table with you.

Boom

That’s snappy.. your disgrace to the name Gunner.

Boom

Yeah I do, pogues like you. 3% er, lol..

Boom

I definitely wasn’t expecting you to class your way out of this …but nonetheless, you have.

So, I’ll tell you….

You responded…

I was engaged in a Recon by fire. You shot back. So I shot back for confirmation..

I guess you’re not the guy I was looking for. I do apologize. …to you.