A group of conservative U.S. Representatives has rallied together to form a committee that will work towards getting a number of pro-gun bills passed in the new Congress. This same group operated from 2004 through 2013 as the Second Amendment Caucus and later the Second Amendment Task Force before becoming inactive in recent years. Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie said the time was right to resurrect the group.
Massie said, “The recent election results present us with a new opportunity to advance pro-gun legislation and reverse the erosion of the Second Amendment that’s occurred over the last few decades. I look forward to working with the new President and this determined group of conservatives to promote a pro-gun agenda.”
Libertarian-leaning conservative, Massie, who supported U.S. Sen. Rand Paul for President and received endorsements by Gun Owners of America, is a long-time concealed carry permit holder and Class III weapon collector who believes the right to keep and bear arms far surpasses the game of hunting. He said, “In fact, the Second Amendment to our Constitution is our Founding Fathers’ restatement of our natural God given right to defend life, liberty, and property.”
While in Congress, Massie cosponsored legislation to allow veterans to buy unlicensed guns while abroad and bring them back to the county, efforts to roll back Washington, D.C.’s gun laws and “assault weapon” ban, and measures to ease restrictions on transporting firearms and ammo across state lines. In 2013, he was the only Congressman to vote against the Undetectable Firearms Act to mandate the inclusion of metal in plastic guns.
Massie also said, “We probably have 50 bills in Congress that have been sitting dormant because we knew the President would never sign them. Instead of being on the defensive, we’re going on the offensive.” Among the priorities for the group will be suppressor deregulation, curbing gun free zones and expanding concealed carry protections.
This group is not affiliated with the Second Amendment Coalition formed by President-elect Trump, which includes six U.S. Representatives as co-chairs. The members of the new group plan to invite pro-gun organizations and speakers to address the caucus.
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