Hunting and fishing are a vital part of our nation's heritage. Each year, thousands of young men and women will take to the woods and the streams for the first time. Congressman Altmire is committed to ensuring that this tradition continues.  Since coming to Congress, he has been an outspoken activist for the over 1.4 million hunters and anglers in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, as a proud supporter of the Second Amendment, he has fought vigorously to protect an individual's right to own a firearm.    

Protecting the Second Amendment Rights of all Americans

Congressman Altmire introduced the Second Amendment Enforcement Act (H.R. 6691) with fellow conservative Democrats in order to protect the constitutional right of all Americans to own and bear arms. In spite of the Supreme Court’s ruling that the District of Columbia’s firearms ban was unconstitutional, the D.C. City Council has once again passed overly strict legislation that would inhibit a resident’s ability to own a firearm. The Second Amendment Enforcement Act would overturn the City Council’s actions and reaffirm Congress’ commitment to upholding the Second Amendment. The text of the Second Amendment Enforcement Act was adopted on September 17, 2008, by a vote of 260 to 160 as an amendment to the National Capitol Security and Safety Act (H.R. 6842).  For more information, see [Altmire Leads Effort to Protect Gun Owners’ Rights].

Maintaining the Heritage of Hunting and Fishing

On April 9, 2008, Congressman Altmire successfully amended the National Landscape Conservation System Act (H.R. 2016) to protect an individual's right to hunt, fish, trap, and boat on the 27 million acres of lands that compose the National Landscape Conservation System. His amendment was endorsed by 17 organizations including the National Rifle Association, Trout Unlimited, and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. For more information, see [Altmire Amendment Protects Sportsmen's Rights on Public Lands].

Overturning the D.C. Gun Ban

In January, Congressman Altmire joined with his colleagues in filing an amicus brief in support of overturning Washington, D.C.'s unconstitutional gun ban.  He was extremely pleased when the Supreme Court overturned the ban, thus allowing D.C. residents to again own firearms.  For more information, see [Altmire Praises Supreme Court's Decision Upholding Americans' Right to Bear Arms].
 
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Congressman Altmire is an active member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.  This Caucus was formed to advance and protect the rights of our nation's hunters and fishermen.  Over the years, it has provided Members of Congress with a valuable opportunity to meet and discuss issues affecting our nation's sportsmen.