WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho declared in Morris v. Army Corps Engineers that carrying a firearm for the purposes of self-defense outside of the home is a constitutional right:

“The Second Amendment enshrines a fundamental right to self-protection. The Constitution is not a lunch menu. Federal agencies cannot pick and choose what parts of the Constitution they like and what parts they don’t like. I am pleased to see this week's court ruling in Idaho validate my legislative effort to protect the Second Amendment, and restore continuity to firearm carry regulations on federal lands.

“The Corps administers over 11.7 million acres, including 400 lakes and river projects, 90,000 campsites and 4,000 miles of trails.  Much of this land, including areas in my district of Arizona, is remote and without quick access to emergency services or law enforcement, so the ability to carry a firearm in case of emergency is imperative.” 

Background:

The court ruling for Morris v. Army Corps Engineers can be found HERE.

On July 15, 2011 the House passed H.R. 2354, the fiscal year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, which included a provision spearheaded by Congressman Gosar that prohibited the use of funds for enforcement of any regulation prohibiting firearm possession that complies with State law on Army Corps projects and lands. Ultimately, Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid did not take up a single House Appropriations Bill and Congressman Gosar’s amendment did not become law.

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