Smith Votes for Concealed Carry Reciprocity to Protect Second Amendment Rights

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after voting in favor of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which passed the House this afternoon.

“Constitutional rights don’t stop at state lines, and today’s vote shows the House is committed to preserving Second Amendment protections for law-abiding citizens,” Smith said. “Americans who qualify for concealed carry in their home state should be able to carry in other states, and many states already practice reciprocity. This legislation makes concealed carry reciprocity the law of the land to eliminate confusion among law enforcement and gun owners over which states will recognize permits.

“As the number of Americans going through concealed carry training and permitting has increased, violent crime has decreased. In fact, 24 attorneys general, including Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, sent a letter to Congress last week encouraging passage of the bill and stating, ‘Concealed carry permit holders are among the most law-abiding members of society ... strong evidence indicates that concealed-carry permit holders actually deter and reduce crime.’

“Those who follow the law should not have to worry whether their constitutional rights apply as they travel throughout our country, and I will continue to defend the Second Amendment on behalf of Nebraskans.”