Long Votes to Protect the 2nd Amendment

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressman Billy Long fought for gun owners and individual liberty by voting in favor of H.R. 822: theNational Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, which allows law-abiding gun owners with valid state-issued concealed firearm permits or licenses to carry a concealed firearm in any other state that also allows concealed carry.

"The Second Amendment is a right that must be protected, even when somebody is traveling," said Long. "A criminal isn't going to care that you crossed state lines and neither should the law."

The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 does not preempt a state's ability to set concealed-carry requirements for its own residents. It requires states that currently permit people to carry concealed firearms to recognize other states' valid concealed carry permits -- much like the states recognize drivers' licenses issued by other states.

The bill also does not affect state laws governing how firearms are carried or used within the various states. A person visiting another state must comply with all laws and regulations governing the carrying and use of a concealed firearm within the state.

"Studies show that carrying concealed weapons deters criminals from attacking law abiding citizens and reduces violent crime," said Long. "Criminals already have the guns; when law abiding citizens have the right to conceal and carry, criminals think twice."

Congressman Long, a cosponsor of the bill, is a strong believer in the Bill of Rights and defending the 2nd Amendment.

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