7.24.2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt was among the first to sign a petition this afternoon requesting a vote to allow Washington, D.C., residents the same right to keep and bear arms – assured by the Second Amendment – that Missourians enjoy every day.
"The Supreme Court’s recent decision to reinstate the fundamental right of self-defense for those who live in Washington, D.C., was a landmark opinion – and a long-overdue one at that," said Blunt. "Unfortunately those charged with administering this new law have found a way to circumvent the ruling of the Supreme Court by imposing new restrictions on citizens who lawfully apply for a permit. And that cannot stand."
The Second Amendment Enforcement Act – which is already supported by a majority of the House of Representatives – has been blocked from consideration due to procedural hurdles for almost a year and a half.
The act would repeal the D.C. handgun ban and the city requirement to prohibit gun owners from keeping a firearm ready for self-defense. The act also allows D.C. residents to own semi-automatic guns and repeals the District’s law that holds gun manufacturers liable for injuries caused by the guns they produce.
"When the city instituted these new regulations, they knew it violated the ruling of the Court. Having known those consequences from the start, if the City Council of Washington is unwilling to abide by the Supreme Court ruling, the Constitution demands that Congress take an active role in making sure it does. And I intend to lead that fight."
Once a majority of House Members sign the petition, the Second Amendment Enforcement Act can be brought up for a fair vote.
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