In the 2024 election, voters made it clear there are several key issues they consider top priorities for the incoming administration and Congress. High on this list is the safeguarding and expansion of the right to self-defense, along with the protection of the Second Amendment for future generations.
For too long, lawmakers at both the federal and state levels have made hollow campaign promises about advancing pro-gun policies, only to return each election cycle with the same empty rhetoric. Now, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. have a unique opportunity to fulfill these promises and enact real, meaningful change that reflects the will of their constituents.
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee is poised to hold a "markup" session this week for a series of bills aimed at safeguarding Americans' right to self-defense for years to come. This is a crucial step in the legislative process, allowing committee members to discuss, amend, and debate the bills before a final vote that could advance them to the full House of Representatives for consideration and potential passage into law.
One of the key bills up for discussion in this markup is H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, introduced by Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09). This legislation has the potential to be one of the most significant pieces of self-defense legislation passed by Congress in recent years.
H.R. 38 will create a federal standard that allows law-abiding gun owners with concealed carry permits to legally carry across state lines. This framework will bring much-needed clarity to the current patchwork of state laws, which often leaves gun owners uncertain about when and where they can safely exercise their rights, ultimately compromising their safety and the security of their families.
The bill also presents lawmakers with an opportunity to take meaningful action on a key issue that reflects the mandate voters issued in November. Nearly half a million Americans have signed a petition sponsored by the USCCA, the largest and fastest-growing organization dedicated to responsible gun ownership, urging elected officials in Washington to prioritize and support national concealed carry reciprocity.
Reciprocity is a common-sense legislative reform. Just as a law-abiding Americans’ First Amendment rights remain intact when crossing state lines, the same should apply to their Second Amendment freedoms. The bill’s markup is another important step in the growing momentum for gun rights in Washington.
Just over two months into his second term, President Trump has already moved quickly to protect the Second Amendment. His Executive Order to examine and roll back unconstitutional, anti-gun policies from the Biden administration has the potential to bring significant clarity to the self-defense landscape. Additionally, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance recently held a hearing entitled, "The Right to Self Defense," which examined the fundamental right to self-protection. We are grateful to congressional leaders like Representative Hudson and Representative Biggs for the leading charge to protect our constitutional rights.
This Congress has a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Second Amendment. For too long, anti-gun lawmakers have waged attacks on Americans' gun rights. Now, with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, those who have successfully defended these rights can take a proactive stance by supporting this critical legislation.
Katie Pointer Baney is the Executive Director of the USCCA for Saving Lives Action Fund and the Managing Director of Government Affairs for the USCCA.
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