I know that nobody is surprised, but Carney puts NJ's right to prosecute a single mother of 2 for illegally possessing a firearm above Shaneen Allen's rights as a citizen. Oh, and he wants to ban our magazines and semi-autos.
Dear Mr. Miller,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me about our nation's gun laws. I appreciate your input and thoughts on this incredibly important issue.
As a U.S. Representative, I take seriously my responsibility to uphold the Constitution, including the Second Amendment right of Americans to own guns and defend themselves. That said, I believe we can uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and those who are severely mentally ill. The tragic events in Isla Vista and Newtown, and before that in Aurora, Tucson, and at Virginia Tech, make clear that Congress needs to take action to help protect our citizens, our children, and our law enforcement officials from gun violence.
For that reason, I'm a cosponsor of legislation that will get extended magazine clips and military assault weapons off our streets and away from our classrooms. I'm also a cosponsor of legislation that would strengthen our background check system, to keep guns out of the hands of known offenders. I also support efforts to increase access to mental health services and provide teachers and counselors with the training they need to identify mental illness in young people.
As a gun owner myself, I support the rights of Americans to own firearms. However, as a parent and public servant, my heart breaks for those who have lost their lives due to senseless acts of gun violence. In addition to enforcing existing gun laws, Congress should take measured actions to protect our citizens while preserving Second Amendment rights.
On February 6, 2013 Congressman Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) introduced H.R. 578, the Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill would allow a person with a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in his or her state of residence to carry a concealed handgun in any state. H.R. 578 has been referred to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, upon which I do not serve. Should this or similar legislation come before the 113th Congress I will be sure to keep your views in mind. That said, when similar legislation has come before the Congress in the past, I have opposed it because I believe each state should have the ability to enforce its gun laws and enter into reciprocal agreements with other states without federal interference.
I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me regarding this serious matter. I am grateful for the trust Delawareans have placed in me and take seriously my responsibility to represent them in Congress, and I look forward to serving you in the coming years.
Sincerely,
