Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

Floor Speech

PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT -- (House of Representatives - October 20, 2005)

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Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

Over the last few years, trial lawyers have filed suit against firearms manufacturers across the country in the hopes of bankrupting the industry. These frivolous lawsuits are often based on the dubious premise that gun manufacturers should be held liable for the actions of others who use their products in a criminal or unlawful manner.

This abuse of the legal process demands strong Congressional action, and we are responding with this legislation. This bill will protect the firearms industry from lawsuits based on the criminal or unlawful third-party misuse of their products. This law is necessary to prevent a few state courts from undermining our Second Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Contrary to many rumors, this bill will not prevent legitimate victims from having their day in court for cases involving defective firearms, breaches of contract, criminal behavior by a gun maker or dealer, or the negligent entrustment of a firearm to an irresponsible person.

Mr. Speaker, while I have serious concerns about the trigger lock language added to this bill in the Senate, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act is an important step in the right direction. The reality is that we need a bill to be signed into law, and this is our greatest opportunity to accomplish meaningful reform which benefits all lawful gun owners and enthusiasts. These irresponsible lawsuits seriously threaten the supply of guns and ammunition available for hunting, self-defense, collecting, competitive or recreational shooting, and other lawful activities, and it is time to put a stop to them.

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