Reagan, Ford, Carter Endorse Ban On Assault-Type Weapons

WASHINGTON - As a closely divided House neared a showdown today on banning assault-type weapons, three former U.S. presidents endorsed the legislation.

Former Presidents Reagan, Carter and Ford wrote to all House members yesterday expressing their support, effectively joining President Clinton in urging approval of the ban.

The three former presidents declared: "This is a matter of vital importance to the public safety. . . . Although assault weapons account for less than 1 percent of the guns in circulation, they account for nearly 10 percent of the guns traced to crime. . . ."

George Bush did not sign the letter.