My stance on the Second Amendment is clear: the right to own guns for all lawful purposes should never be compromised. 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.
However, since President Obama took office, he has frequently called for new forms of gun control, including banning the use and possession of semi-automatic weapons, requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, and banning magazines with capacities above 10 rounds.
I do not support legislation that would infringe on law-abiding citizen’s constitutional right to own and possess a firearm.
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 3139, the Securing Military Personnel Response Firearm Initiative Act, or SEMPER FI Act, which Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA) introduced on July 21, 2015, to give military officers the ability to carry weapons at recruitment centers. This bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee, where it awaits further review.
I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Director of the ATF requesting their full explanation as to why they were considering reclassifying the M855 round as “armor-piercing ammunition” after decades of being classified as a common form of ammunition, therefore making it illegal under the Gun Control Act of 1968. The ATF has since announced that they will not pursue this action at this time.
I am a proud cosponsor of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, legislation that would allow any law abiding citizen with a conceal carry permit issued by their home state to use that permit in any other state that allows citizens the right to carry a concealed firearm.
I voted in favor of the SHARE Act, legislation that prohibits the EPA from reclassifying ammunition as a toxic substance, increases the funding levels for public shooting ranges, and increases access to federal lands for the recreational purposes of hunting and fishing.
