Andrew Clyde: “I thank the good gentleman from Alabama for those inspiring remarks. I want to talk about privately-made firearms, which…”

“I thank the good gentleman from Alabama for those inspiring remarks. I want to talk about privately-made firearms, which I briefly referenced in my introductory remarks. Undeniably, the Second Amendment, the right to keep and bear arms, has been fundamental to the freedom and security of our Nation since it was first founded in 1776. It is the teeth behind so many of the other rights and liberties we enjoy. We know this to be true, because history has shown us that when the right to keep and bear arms falls, then the right of free speech and of the free press falls immediately after. From our very beginning until today, for almost 250 years, people have always been able to build their own firearms. But that right is at risk, considering the White House's gun control agenda. Under the Gun Control Act of 1968, commercial firearm manufacturers, importers, firearm distributors, and retail firearm dealers had to get Federal Government licenses in order to continue to operate their businesses. Along with those licenses came record-keeping requirements and compliance inspections to ensure they followed the new laws and regulations. This effectively put almost all firearm manufacturers and importers under the direct control of the Federal Government. History also tells us, Madam Speaker, that after registration comes confiscation.…”