Simpson Joined Colleagues in Sending Letter to White House Opposing Arms Trade Treaty

Press Release

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson recently joined 180 Members of Congress by sending a letter to President Obama opposing the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

The Obama administration recently signed the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) concerning the trade of conventional weapons. While the treaty is intended to rein in unregulated weapons around the world, Simpson is concerned that such a treaty may put Second Amendment rights at risk.

"I oppose any effort by the administration to implement or enforce this treaty though executive action. For this reason, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama opposing the treaty and declaring that I will not support any implementing legislation or funding for this treaty," said Simpson.

Simpson previously signed a similar letter to President Obama and Secretary Kerry on May 30, 2013, urging them to reject the treaty. He is also a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 23, a bipartisan concurrent resolution expressing opposition to the treaty.

"The Second Amendment should not be compromised or threatened by any international treaty and I will strongly oppose any treaty that would impact civilian ownership of firearms, expose the records of America's gun owners to foreign governments, challenge the authority of Congress to regulate firearms within the United States, or call for an international gun registry," said Simpson.

Any international treaty requires a two-thirds approval in the Senate before it is considered in effect in the United States.

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