Fleming, Wicker Secure Important Second Amendment Victory

Press Release

Representative John Fleming, M.D. announced today that language from a bill he introduced earlier this year, H.R. 3789, the Amtrak Secure Transportation of Firearms Act, has been included in the year-end spending legislation finalized yesterday by House and Senate negotiators. The provision, based upon measures introduced by Congressman Fleming and Senator Wicker of Mississippi, directs Amtrak to begin allowing passengers to transport firearms in checked baggage within one year of the bill's enactment. This will give Amtrak passengers the same right as airline passengers to transport firearms in secure, checked baggage.

"I applaud the Conference negotiators on including this common-sense provision in what is otherwise an out-of-control spending bill," said Fleming. "This strong bi-partisan measure is an essential part of the effort to reclaim our Second Amendment rights which have been eroded over the years by activist judges and liberal lawmakers."

"This is an important victory for sportsmen and gun owners across the country, and it affirms congressional support of the Second Amendment," Wicker said. "Airline passengers in our country are allowed to transport firearms in secure, checked baggage when declared during the check-in process. Law-abiding gun owners who choose to travel on America's taxpayer-subsidized rail line should be given the same right."

This provision is included in a spending measure that combines six of the unfinished appropriations bills needed to fund the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2010. The House of Representatives could take up the bill as early as this week. Senate consideration would soon follow.

John Fleming is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana. He is a member of the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.

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