Protecting the Constitutional Right to Bear Arms

President Obama has too often disregarded the Constitution to pursue his agenda, from the expansion of federal regulatory jurisdiction over local waterways to his government takeover of health care. His announcement this week of an executive order to restrict gun ownership is one of the most blatant abuses of power to date.

As an unwavering supporter of the Second Amendment, I am deeply concerned the President’s unilateral actions directly violate the Constitution and subvert the will of the people and Congress.

At a time when we should be focusing our efforts on combating radical Islamic terrorism, treating mental illness, and enforcing laws already on the books, the President is choosing instead to undermine Americans’ constitutional rights. We all share the goal of reduced violence, but arbitrary gun restrictions do not address the root causes of the problem and ultimately punish law-abiding citizens rather than criminals or terrorists.

Our laws already require firearms dealers to be licensed and perform background checks, regardless of venue. The Obama administration should focus on enforcing these laws rather than attempting to intimidate Americans through executive action and empowering government bureaucrats to determine who is fit to keep their constitutional rights.

This is not the first time the Obama administration has attempted to undermine the Second Amendment. Early last year, I joined 238 House colleagues in sending a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director B. Todd Jones to stop the administration’s proposed ban on M855 ammunition. In response to massive public and congressional opposition, ATF withdrew the proposal.

President Obama has also proposed including Social Security beneficiaries with representative payees in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Struggling to manage one’s finances alone does not mean an individual should lose his or her Second Amendment rights. Additionally, I am concerned this threat could discourage some beneficiaries from seeking needed assistance. In July, I joined my Ways and Means colleagues in writing to the Social Security Administration to oppose this proposal, and we will continue to fight it.

The President’s disregard for the legislative branch grows with each unilateral decision. When reports surfaced about this potential executive order on gun control, I joined 35 House colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama in December asking for more details and reasoning behind his possible proposal. We did not receive the requested information.

None of the President’s executive actions would have prevented the tragedies our country has recently experienced. Though we all condemn these appalling acts of violence, restricting law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights – as the President’s executive order is designed to do – is not the solution. Congress continues to work on multiple legislative efforts, especially in the area of mental health, to help curb violence while upholding the Constitution.

It is the responsibility of the President to respect all constitutional rights, not just the ones he chooses. His executive order on gun control sets a dangerous precedent. I will continue to stand against this overreach and protect the fundamental right to bear arms.