McCollum Opposes NRA & Supports Common Sense Gun Safety Laws

Press Release

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) delivered the following statement on the House floor in strong support of H.R. 6842, The National Capital Security and Safety Act, which seeks to prevent the senseless proliferation of weapons of human destruction in the Nation's capital. Three months ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the District's three-decade-old ban on possessing handguns violated Second Amendment rights to bear arms.

"H.R. 6842, offered by Congresswoman Norton, is a common sense bill. This bill puts the District of Colombia on notice that it must comply with the Supreme Court's decision and directs the men and women elected by the citizens of our nation's capital, along with the District's law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line everyday, to do their jobs and determine how best to comply with the court.

"Our own Capitol Police Chief Morse and D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier testified before our committee and I trust them when they express their grave concern about more guns and more powerful guns on DC's streets. But rather than listen to Chief Lanier and Chief Morse, there will a substitute amendment offered on behalf of the National Rifle Association with complete disregard for the American families that live in Washington, DC.

"The substitute amendment would allow more guns designed solely to kill people on D.C. streets and surely result in more money in the pockets of gun profiteers and more possibly fundraising dollars for pro-gun candidates.

"To all the brave hunters on floor tonight fighting to protect the rights of hunters - there are no bucks, bears, or boars to shoot on the streets of DC. But innocent kids, women and men will be shot as they are caught in the crossfire of a city loaded with guns designed to kill.

"In our Nation's capital, with all the special homeland security considerations,

"I simply cannot understand why we would deny elected local officials from taking common sense measures to comply with the court and at the same time ensure the safety of residents, dignitaries, and guests.

"We talk a great deal about listening to the military leaders on the ground in Iraq. Why aren't we taking our own advice and listening to our law enforcement leaders on the streets in DC?

"As a supporter of the Second Amendment to Constitution, I proudly stand with law enforcement for safety, security and sensible gun laws."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4) serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

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