Since our country’s earliest days, our laws and traditions have afforded citizens the right to protect themselves and their property. In fact, our founding documents specifically ensure Americans’ right to keep and bear arms – most explicitly in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
As a lawmaker, I have never wavered in defense of law-abiding citizens’ right to own and use firearms whether for hunting, recreation or self-defense. In fact, I have helped secure important victories for the Second Amendment and defeat policies like so-called assault weapons bans and international treaties that would violate our national sovereignty to regulate the lawful ownership of firearms.
The 119th Congress is still in the early stages, but already my colleagues and I have been championing bills to protect and strengthen this foundational right for ourselves and future generations.
I am especially pleased to have lent my support to several pro-Second Amendment bills and other actions that would serve to enhance the rights of hunters, shooting sportsmen, firearms enthusiasts and even gun manufacturers and retailers.
The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is a commonsense proposal to allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home state to exercise those rights in any other state that allows concealed carry. It essentially would treat state-issued concealed carry permits like drivers’ licenses while upholding state sovereignty.
A related issue involving the rights of potential firearms owners like RV-ers, active-duty military, military spouses and others who rely on a P.O. Box for their primary mailing address but are unable to obtain a firearm due to lack of a permanent physical address. A sensible remedy, the Traveler’s Gun Rights Act, would require the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to allow those in this unique situation to complete transaction paperwork accurately and still obtain a weapon legally.
