Coats Joins Senators to Introduce Protecting Communities and Preserving Second Amendment Act

Press Release

At a press conference today, Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) joined Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in introducing the Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act, legislation that would improve the current background check system, address school safety and mental illness in the criminal justice system and strengthen criminal gun laws by increasing resources for prosecuting gun trafficking and straw purchases. This will be offered as an alternative amendment to the current gun legislation pending on the Senate floor.

"As a father and grandfather, the tragedy at Newtown impacted me as it did every Hoosier parent," said Coats. "Both our government and society need to do more to reduce violence and ensure guns do not end up in the wrong hands. This legislation is a sensible approach that will help protect our communities while still protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens."

Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA-ILA said this amendment "helps improve the National Instant Check System by improving the quality and the quantity of information contained within this system. It is a substantive step in the right direction and the National Rifle Association is grateful for the leadership and support of Sen. Coats."

Additional cosponsors to the amendment include Senators John Thune (R-N.D), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and David Vitter (R-La.).