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

Voted for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 4660), which included an amendment prohibiting the use of any funds to carry out Operation Choke Point, a broad federal investigation using non-public subpoenas to pressure banks and other financial institutions in order to discourage them from maintaining relationships with a number of businesses, including firearms and ammunition sellers. H.R. 4660 also included language preventing funding from being used to enforce the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty or to maintain a federal database on multiple rifle and shotgun sales to an individual.

Voted to support the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act (H.R. 3590), which promotes and preserves the rights of sportsmen and fishermen throughout the United States. Among its provisions, H.R. 3590 would increase public access to our nation's public lands for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting, and the bill would prevent an EPA ban on fishing tackle and ammunition containing lead. This legislation also increases the percentage of federal funds states can use to build or operate a public target range. H.R. 3590 is supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Voted for the FY 2015 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act (H.R. 5016), which included an amendment preventing the District of Columbia from using taxpayer dollars to enforce a number of its anti-Second Amendment laws.

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, but which still awaits ratification by the Senate) 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. Joined 180 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the President opposing ratification and implementation of the treaty, and voted for a number of bills which would prevent funding going to enforce or implement this treaty unless the Senate first ratifies it.

Cosponsored the Ammunition Management for More Obtainability (AMMO) Act (H.R. 1764) 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. This bill also places a six-month restriction on the ability of federal agencies, other than the Department of Defense, to purchase additional ammunition by preventing these agencies from possessing more rounds of ammunition than their monthly average during 2001-2009.

Introduced 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, which is endorsed by the NRA, puts an end to these practices and makes it clear that the rights of American citizens can no longer be ignored.

Supports the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 2959), 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.

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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