Vicky Hartzler: I will work to keep our Second Amendment rights from being damaged or weakened

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

The Biden Administration and Democrat controlled Congress have introduced government mandates that infringe on the fundamental right to bear arms. I oppose these efforts and wanted to share with you actions I have taken to combat this egregious federal overreach.

Since taking office, President Biden has made several statements questioning the usefulness of the Second Amendment, saying that “No amendment to the Constitution is absolute.” The President has also claimed that “If you wanted or if you think you need to have weapons to take on the government, you need F-15s and maybe some nuclear weapons.” 

Additionally, President Biden nominated longtime gun control activist and lobbyist, David Chipman, to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chipman's policies are anti-second amendment which is why I joined several of my House colleagues in urging Senate leadership to oppose his confirmation, which you can read here. 

This collective effort ultimately led to Chipman’s nomination being withdrawn. As your Representative, I will always oppose those who seek to limit your Second Amendment rights.

Still, the policies of the Biden Administration’s ATF are committed to rolling back our right to bear arms.

In June 2021, the ATF released a notice for proposed guidance on firearms with attached stabilizing braces–a tool inspired by the needs of disabled combat veterans who still enjoy recreational shooting. This proposed guidance effectively turns disabled veterans and lawful gun owners across the country into criminals unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax. 

That is why I demanded Attorney General Merrick Garland oppose the proposed guidance due to the impact it would have on tens of millions of Americans who enjoy their constitutionally protected rights. You may read the letter here.

In addition to domestic gun control policies, the Biden Administration is once again considering joining the misguided United Nation’s Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).The ATT, signed by former President Barack Obama in 2013, was met with strong bipartisan opposition and failed to garner the approval of the Senate because of its attack on American sovereignty and our Constitution. 

These concerns are still true. The treaty’s vague language may legally obligate our country to comply with international gun control policies, including a global firearm registry. It is inconceivable that the United States would ever consider subjecting our constitutional right to bear arms to international oversight and interference. I demanded President Biden clarify his administration’s position and reject the ATT’s attack on our constitution. You may read my letter here.

The Founders had the foresight to protect the individual liberties of the people by including the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. I am a firm believer in the Constitution and am dedicated to utilizing my position in Congress to protect and defend the rights enshrined in the document. Please know that I will always work to ensure the Second Amendment rights of American Citizens are not damaged or weakened.