Second Amendment

I believe that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms.  Responsible gun ownership constitutes a vital part of our nation’s heritage, and remains central to Americans’ ability to defend themselves and their families.     

It is appropriate for us to always look for ways we can better keep our schools, our communities, and our families safe.  As a strong defender of the Second Amendment, however, I know that law-abiding, responsible gun owners make essential contributions to public safety and that attacking the Second Amendment – as some in Washington are all too quick to do – is not the answer.  I believe that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms.  Responsible gun ownership constitutes a vital part of our nation’s heritage, and remains central to Americans’ ability to defend themselves and their families.    

I remain committed to working toward real solutions that will realistically enhance safety in our communities and our schools, in a way that is consistent with the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding and responsible gun owners.  Instead of infringing on Americans’ constitutional rights and disarming law-abiding citizens, Congress should focus on the real problem – identifying people with a history of significant mental illness and social isolation and making sure they have access to the urgent care or counseling they need.  I also believe that we can do a better job of enforcing our existing criminal gun laws, and addressing the glorification of violence in our culture and media.

• Following President Obama’s announcement of his gun control legislative package, Rep. Barr signed and supported a letter to the President to assert that attacking the Second Amendment is not the answer.  
   
• ​Signed the Stockman-Broun letter in opposition to universal background checks.  This letter details why opposition to universal background checks is so essential, and also urges Speaker Boehner not to bring gun legislation to the House floor for a vote unless it has the support of a majority of Republican House members.  This will help ensure that Congress does not advance measures which undermine the Second Amendment.
   
• ​Cosponsor of legislation opposing the ratification and implementation UN Arms Trade Treaty, and signed a congressional letter to President Obama Secretary of State John Kerry, urging strong opposition to the UN Arms Trade Treaty.