On the recordDecember 5, 2017
The chief reason the ``American experiment'' in liberty and democracy has been so successful is our belief in God-given, inalienable rights. One of these fundamental freedoms is an individual's right to ``keep and bear arms.'' While the original intent of the Second Amendment to the Constitution was the defense against an abusive, tyrannical government, the central principle is to empower Americans to protect themselves, their families, and, as we witnessed in the Sutherland Springs shooting, their communities. Statistics show annual reductions in murder rates as concealed carry laws have gone into effect and that violent crime has decreased as gun ownership has increased. In fact, according to Gun Owners of America, citizens defend themselves with lethal force against criminals twice as often as police do every year. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which I cosponsored, simply allows law-abiding citizens who are licensed to carry a firearm the freedom to travel between States, closes gaps and strengthens due process regarding our national criminal background check system, and maintains the reasonable prohibitions that are in place today, like keeping guns out of the hands of convicted felons. I urge my colleagues to support it. ____________________
