How to Contact Your Representative About an Assault Weapons Ban

The Issue

What's at Stake

The federal assault weapons ban that was in place from 1994 to 2004 prohibited the manufacture and sale of semi-automatic assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines for civilian use. Since the ban expired, mass shootings involving assault-style weapons have increased significantly. Legislation to reinstate the ban has been introduced in the current Congress but faces significant opposition.

Your representatives vote on whether Congress reinstates restrictions on the weapons most frequently used in mass shootings, or continues to allow their unrestricted civilian sale.

1994–2004

Years the federal assault weapons ban was in effect

Higher rate of mass shooting fatalities in the decade after the ban expired vs. during it

67%

Of Americans who support a ban on assault-style weapons (Gallup 2023)

Take Action

How to Contact Your Representative — Step by Step

Find your representatives

Enter your ZIP code in RepReach to see your House rep and both Senators with direct phone numbers.

Call to support reinstating the assault weapons ban

'I urge you to support legislation reinstating the federal assault weapons ban' is a clear, actionable ask.

Share your community's connection if relevant

If your community has been affected by gun violence, one sentence of community context gives your call specific weight.

Follow up in writing

RepReach generates a personalized written message based on your position.

What to Say

Tips for Your Call or Email

📍

Start with your city. Constituent calls are logged by location.

🎯

Ask for the specific legislation. 'I support reinstating the federal assault weapons ban' is a clear, loggable ask.

🔁

Sustained calls matter. On gun legislation, consistent pressure over time is more effective than a single spike in calls after a shooting.

⏱️

Under 60 seconds is ideal. Brief and clear is always best.

RepReach writes your script for you

Tap. Script. Call. Done.

Tell the app where you stand and add any personal details — RepReach builds a complete, personalized call or email script around your story. No blank page, no guessing what to say.

Learn More →

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the original assault weapons ban do?

The 1994 federal assault weapons ban prohibited the manufacture and sale of semi-automatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds) to civilians. It expired in 2004 when Congress failed to renew it. Studies found the ban was associated with reduced mass shooting fatalities.

Is there current legislation to reinstate the ban?

Yes. The Assault Weapons Act, which would reinstate and strengthen the federal assault weapons ban, has been introduced in the current Congress and has House co-sponsors. It requires Senate action to advance.

Does calling about an assault weapons ban make a difference?

Yes. Assault weapons legislation is most often advanced by sustained constituent pressure following high-profile shootings. Members who have heard consistently from constituents are more likely to support or co-sponsor gun safety legislation.

How do I find my representative's phone number?

Enter your ZIP code in the RepReach app to instantly find your House representative and both U.S. Senators with their direct district office phone numbers.

Turn awareness into action

Your voice matters. Use it.