Mark Souder: “I include for the Record a series of stories of individuals who were terrified but defended themselves and could have…”

“I include for the Record a series of stories of individuals who were terrified but defended themselves and could have been prosecuted under the D.C. law. I will also include for the Record, what would the District of Columbia's gun laws look like after this law passes? Even if H.R. 3193 were signed into law in its present form, it would leave in place an extensive set of laws governing possession, sale and use of guns. District laws would still be far more restrictive than the laws of most states: It would still be illegal to carry firearms outside one's own property, either openly or concealed. Violations would still be punishable by a fine of up to $1000 or imprisonment for not more than one year for a first offense, and up to $10,000 and 10 years' imprisonment, or both, for a second offense or for any violation by a convicted felon. All penalties are doubled for illegal carry in a 'gun free zone' within 1000 feet of a school, day care center, college, or various youth recreation facilities such as swimming pools and video arcades. Possession or use of a firearm while committing a crime of violence would remain punishable by up to 30 years in prison, with a minimum of 5 years served before parole or probation. Handgun possession would remain illegal for drug addicts, convicted felons, and persons convicted of various public order offenses such as vagrancy.”