Amid a wave of heartbreaking mass shootings, including the tragic school attack in Uvalde, Texas, federal lawmakers appear gridlocked on gun safety measures. In a novel approach, one Democratic Congressman, Alex Johnson from Virginia, is devising legislation aimed at reducing access to semiautomatic firearms like AR-15s through hefty taxation rather than outright bans. Johnson’s proposed bill would impose a staggering 1,000% excise tax, potentially escalating the cost of these weapons from approximately $500 to between $5,000 and $20,000.
“This initiative is intended to create an innovative avenue for implementing sensible gun control,” Johnson explained to a news outlet. “We believe that a 1,000% tax on assault weapons could serve as a significant deterrent and make it easier to navigate the legislative process.”
Both the Uvalde and Buffalo shooters were able to legally acquire AR-15s at just 18 years old, and Johnson argues that such purchases would likely not have occurred if they had faced the financial burden of a steep tax. While the bill is still in development, key details remain unanswered, such as when the tax would take effect and how the generated revenue would be allocated. Notably, this tax would not apply to military and police forces or the estimated 20 million AR-15s already in circulation. In addition, taxing the 10-bullet magazines associated with these firearms could further diminish their appeal.
Some believe this legislation might have a greater chance of passing in the Senate, where gun control measures often stall, while others caution it could reinforce perceptions of Democrats as overly tax-happy. Excise taxes, aimed at discouraging certain behaviors, are already applied to products like alcohol and tobacco, although evidence on whether such taxation would reduce gun-related violence remains limited.
Recently, the House also advanced stricter gun control measures following emotional testimonies from survivors and victims’ families, including raising the minimum purchase age for semiautomatic rifles to 21 and requiring secure firearm storage. Five Republicans supported the Protecting Our Kids Act, but its prospects in the Senate are uncertain. “Who will tell their constituents they sided with them instead of the gun lobby?” asked Representative Jamie Parker. “Americans are pleading for protection from gun violence—who among us will respond?”
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In summary, Congressman Alex Johnson’s proposal to impose a 1,000% tax on AR-15s aims to limit access to these firearms as a creative alternative to outright bans, amid ongoing debates about gun control in the wake of tragic mass shootings. While the bill is still in progress, its potential impact on legislation and public safety remains to be seen.