Issue Position: Second Amendment

Issue Position

Values

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, "…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." While some may disagree, I believe the plain language of this Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms of their choosing.

Strongly opposes limitations on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. We must not hinder the ability of law-abiding citizens to bear arms.

Actions

Cosponsored H. Con. Res. 23, a resolution that makes clear that the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty (signed by Secretary of State John Kerry on September 25, 2013) undermines Constitutional freedom. It is clear that this treaty doesn't understand or take into consideration the history of the United States or our Constitution. In its preamble, it violates the Constitution by claiming to reaffirm the right of the State to regulate firearms. But the right to be able to defend oneself by bearing arms is a part of the natural law recognized by the United States Constitution. While this right was recognized by the Constitution, it was not granted by the Constitution because the power of the State cannot take away the natural laws of man.

Cosponsored the Ammunition Management for More Obtainability (AMMO) Act (H.R. 1174) to require that the Government Accountability Office conduct a report on the impact that the ammunition purchasing habits of agencies like DHS, and agencies within the DHS like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have on the amount of ammunition that is available.

Introduced legislation (H.R. 1290) to strengthen federal protections for law abiding Americans traveling with firearms. Current law includes protections for individuals transporting firearms between places where they are legally allowed to have them. However, some states continue to harass and detain travelers who are abiding by federal law. My bill puts an end to these practices and makes it clear that the rights of American citizens can no longer be ignored. H.R. 1290 is endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Supports the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, which would provide a national standard by which nonresidents of a state may carry concealed firearms in the state. Any person not prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm, and carrying a valid license or permit issued by a state that permits the person to carry a concealed firearm, would be able to carry a concealed firearm in another state.

Supports the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act, which would improve the ability for law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms by removing several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968.

Supports the Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act of 2011 (H.R. 420), which would provide a 90 day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members could register firearms acquired overseas between June 26, 1934 and October 31, 1968, without fear of prosecution. Congress granted a limited amnesty in 1968, but many veterans did not receive enough notice to participate.

Member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, which works to protect and preserve the interests of our nation's sportsmen, including hunters, shooters, and anglers.

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