Gibbs introduces bill to expand second amendment rights
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bob Gibbs recently introduced the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act, a bill that expands Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens on water resources development projects owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. While legislation passed in May 2009 opened National Park Service and National Fish and Wildlife Service lands to concealed-carry permit holders, Army Corps water project recreational lands were not subject to the law.
The Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act brings Army Corps recreational sites that include water projects to the same standards as other federal recreational lands only when a citizen is allowed to carry a concealed firearm in accordance with state and local laws.
“The law passed in 2009 helps expand the ability of citizens legally allowed to carry concealed firearms on NPS and NFWS property,” said Congressman Gibbs after introducing the legislation. “Yet the exclusion of Army Corps water resources development projects is a classic case of the government’s left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. If an American has lawfully obtained a concealed-carry permit, he or she should be able to exercise their constitutional rights on federal recreation lands, regardless of the agency. I want to thank my co-sponsors for joining me in ensuring Second Amendment rights also apply on the nearly 12 million acres and over 90,000 campsites the Army Corps of Engineers administers.”
“On behalf of our five million members, we would like to thank Representative Gibbs for his leadership on this important issue,” said Chris Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “This bill is the first step toward removing the confusing patchwork of laws dictating where law-abiding Americans can and cannot carry firearms for self-defense.”
The Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act was previously introduced in the 114th Congress, ultimately gaining 92 co-sponsors. It passed the House with bipartisan support as part of a larger package under the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act.
Category: Government
