Mahoney Protects Second Amendment

Press Release

Today, Congressman Tim Mahoney (FL-16) voted to uphold the Second Amendment by supporting The Second Amendment Enforcement Act (H.R. 6691), which significantly revises the District of Columbia's gun ban. The bipartisan legislation passed by a vote of 266-152.

''The right to bear arms is one of the timeless founding principles we enjoy as citizens of the United States," said Congressman Mahoney. "Today's legislation sends a message to our nation that the Constitution comes first and our fundamental rights will not be compromised."

In District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court ruled that DC's firearm restrictions violated the Second Amendment. Failing to heed the Supreme Court's decision, the D.C. City Council passed new legislation that failed to correct the problems identified in the Heller decision and continued to prevent law abiding citizens from keeping firearms for personal protection.

The Second Amendment Enforcement Act (H.R. 6691) revises the portions of the D.C. City Council law that conflict with the Supreme Court's decision. The bill will:

* Allow DC residents to purchase guns that are legal under federal law from a federally licensed firearm dealer in Maryland or Virginia
* Repeal criminal penalties that prohibit a lawful gun owner from possessing a gun in his home or business
* Prohibit felons, mentally ill individuals, and persons convicted of domestic violence offenses from owning a firearm

Earlier this year, Congressman Mahoney, along with dozens of his colleagues in Congress, filed with the Supreme Court a brief for amici curiae, or a "friend of the court" brief, contesting the constitutionality of D.C.'s ban on armed self-defense.

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