Second Amendment

Congresswoman Ellmers believes that all Americans have the Constitutional right to bear arms.  The Second Amendment clearly reads: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Our founders certainly believed, as we do, that the right to have and use a gun is an individual right that should not be imposed upon by overly intrusive government regulation.

Although she believes that gun owners must be responsible for the use and care of their guns, she does not want to see law-abiding gun owners penalized for the actions of criminals.  It has become far too easy to place blame on guns, and their accessibility, rather than the criminals themselves.  Currently, there are nineteen laws on the books regulating gun purchases and use but more legislation will not result in safer streets, offices or schoolyards.

To that end, she is opposed to any measures that would impose further limitations on the right to bear arms.  She stands behind our Constitution and the fundamental rights that the Second Amendment affords to all Americans.  She will continue to vote to safeguard the liberties of gun owners and to stand up for your freedom to own and purchase firearms.

Congresswoman Ellmers' work in the House related to this issue includes the following:

A letter to President Obama led by Representative Dan Benishek (R-MI) cautioning him to not circumvent congress to implement gun control.

H.Con.Res. 23 -Sponsored by Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) a resolution opposing the UN Arms Trade Treaty.

H.R. 1290 - "To address the interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition" led by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA)requires a firearm and ammunition to be locked in a container or secured by a gun storage or safety device.  This bill also prohibits the arrest or detention of a person for a violation of any state or local law or regulation related to the possession, transportation, or carrying of firearms unless there is probable cause to believe that the person is not acting under federal law.

H.R. 2541, sponsored by Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Police Officers Protecting Children Act. The bill would amend the Gun Free School Zones Act to allow certain qualified off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry within a school zone. The bill is supported by the NRA, Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Co-Sponsored H.R. 4749, sponsored by Rep. Cassidy (R-LA). Changes the definition of “antique firearm” to include firearms manufactured over 100 years ago.  Currently the definition is firearms manufactured before 1989.  This has caused problems for collectors of guns from the early 20^th century.