Gun Rights and the Second Amendment

As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the right of citizens to keep and bear arms, I have fought against many proposals that would unconstitutionally limit Americans’ rights to own firearms and have worked to protect our Kansas hunting heritage.

In Congress, I have long opposed proposals like H.R. 45, which would license gun owners and track firearms. I do not agree with legislation that would require owners of handguns and certain other firearms to submit thumbprints, mental health records or other personal information.

I have also voted against the reinstatement of the failed 1994 gun and magazine ban. I strongly oppose efforts by the Obama Administration to reinstate the expired federal “assault weapon” ban and impose additional restrictions. While much needs to be done to prevent violent crime in our nation, I am convinced that more gun control laws are not the answer. I believe we need to concentrate on punishing criminals, not responsible gun owners, and I will continue to oppose the gun and magazine ban.

I was a strong supporter of last year’s historic decision by the United States Supreme Court which stated that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual’s right to own firearms and that Washington, D.C.’s gun ban is unconstitutional. I was proud to sign a Friend of the Court brief urging the court to strike the D.C. gun ban. This decision was a win for all Americans and sends a powerful message to governments across the country in support of our Second Amendment freedoms.

Finding a place to hunt and fish is one of the biggest concerns of sportsmen which is why I was proud to be the lead sponsor along with Senator Pat Roberts in passing “Open Fields” legislation in 2008. This legislation will help increase access to public hunting and fishing across the county. Often overlooked, the economic impact of hunting and fishing in Kansas is substantial – over $607 million is spent on these activities each year in our state.

I have consistently supported the rights of gun owners and sportsmen while in Congress and I will continue to cast my vote to protect our Second Amendment Rights and rich hunting heritage.