Folks, this guy is good one and represents my district. I've written him more than once througout this ordeal. As he now holds a position with national influence as chairman of the House's judiciary committee, I would encourage anyone who has time to let him know we appreciate his support to do so. When our congresscritters get something right, we should applaud them. I will be voting for him again!
You can begin here: http://goodlatte.house.gov/
Here is an excerpt from his most recent response to my contacting him.
As you know, the Newtown tragedy has prompted a nationwide debate on the origins of these acts of senseless violence and how the country can prevent this kind of atrocity from occurring again. I believe it is important for our country to have this discussion and to understand how tragedies like this can be avoided. However, I do not believe additional gun control laws are the answer.
Some leaders, including President Obama, have called for new gun control laws. I strongly believe that our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms must be protected. These are fundamental rights that Congress cannot infringe. We must ensure that the intent of our Founding Fathers and the Constitutional rights of all Americans are respected and preserved.
In addition to examining the root causes of gun violence, our federal law enforcement needs to increase its enforcement of laws already on the books. In 2010, the FBI denied an estimated 72,000 gun purchase requests from persons attempting to purchase a firearm. These individuals were denied through the use of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. However, a report in the National Criminal Justice Reference Service attests that out of the approximately 72,000 cases of individuals illegally attempting to purchase a firearm, only 44 of those cases were actually prosecuted in court. This cannot stand.
Rest assured, as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Second Amendment issues, I will continue to work to ensure that Congress prevents the passage of legislation that implements a gun registry system or infringes on your Second Amendment rights.
Go Bob!
You can begin here: http://goodlatte.house.gov/
Here is an excerpt from his most recent response to my contacting him.
As you know, the Newtown tragedy has prompted a nationwide debate on the origins of these acts of senseless violence and how the country can prevent this kind of atrocity from occurring again. I believe it is important for our country to have this discussion and to understand how tragedies like this can be avoided. However, I do not believe additional gun control laws are the answer.
Some leaders, including President Obama, have called for new gun control laws. I strongly believe that our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms must be protected. These are fundamental rights that Congress cannot infringe. We must ensure that the intent of our Founding Fathers and the Constitutional rights of all Americans are respected and preserved.
In addition to examining the root causes of gun violence, our federal law enforcement needs to increase its enforcement of laws already on the books. In 2010, the FBI denied an estimated 72,000 gun purchase requests from persons attempting to purchase a firearm. These individuals were denied through the use of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. However, a report in the National Criminal Justice Reference Service attests that out of the approximately 72,000 cases of individuals illegally attempting to purchase a firearm, only 44 of those cases were actually prosecuted in court. This cannot stand.
Rest assured, as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Second Amendment issues, I will continue to work to ensure that Congress prevents the passage of legislation that implements a gun registry system or infringes on your Second Amendment rights.
Go Bob!
