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Sen. Kerry Backs Bill Banning High-Capacity Clips

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry is backing legislation that would ban the sale of high-capacity ammunition clips and require background checks at gun shows.

The bill would outlaw any magazine that has the capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The legislation includes an exemption for any high-capacity magazine lawfully owned before the bill is enacted.

Investigators say alleged Tucson, Ariz., shooter Jared Loughner used an extended ammunition clip during a rampage earlier this month that left six dead and 13 injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

The sale of high capacity clips was banned under federal law between 1994 and 2004.

The bill would also close what Kerry called a loophole that allows some gun buyers to avoid background checks when purchasing weapons at gun shows.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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