Protecting Second Amendment Rights of Americans

Statement

On Thursday, I spoke about the importance of protecting the rights of Americans from the effects of a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. Recently I introduced legislation, the Second Amendment Sovereignty Act, that would prohibit the Obama Administration from using the "voice, vote and influence" of the United States during Arms Trade Treaty negotiations to restrict in any way the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens, including the regulation of civilian firearms and ammunition.

On July 22 of last year, fifty-seven U.S. Senators joined me in reminding the Obama Administration that our firearm freedoms are not negotiable. We notified President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton of our intent to oppose ratification of a treaty that in any way restricts Americans' Second Amendment rights. Our opposition is strong enough to block the treaty from passage, as treaties submitted to the U.S. Senate require two-thirds approval to be ratified.

As the treaty process continues, the Second Amendment Sovereignty Act seeks to further reinforce to the Administration that our country's sovereignty and firearm freedoms must not be infringed upon by an international organization made up of many countries with little respect for gun rights. America leads the world in export standards to ensure arms are transferred for legitimate purposes and my bill will make certain that law-abiding Americans are not wrongfully punished.

In July, the U.N. Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty will take place in New York, during which time a treaty will be finalized for adoption.

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