Posted: 7/22/2005 3:44:51 PM EDT
I recieved the following email in response to a GOA alert.
Dear Mr. Xxxxx:
Thank you for contacting me about gun commerce legislation. I appreciate hearing from you.
As you know, in March 2004 the Senate considered S. 1805, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This bill would have required the Department of Commerce to maintain a list of businesses and individuals who notify the Department that they manufacture or sell firearms, or represent organizations that manufacture or sell firearms for interstate or foreign commerce. It further protected any person or business, or representative of a person or business who lawfully engages in interstate or foreign commerce of firearms from restrictions on commerce. These restrictions include civil penalties or other limitations ordered by federal, state, or local courts.
After consideration the Senate rejected S. 1805 by a vote of 8-90. I voted against final passage of this bill. Like many Americans, I believe that lawful manufacturers or sellers of firearms should have the right to participate in legal interstate and foreign commerce.
However, I am concerned about how this bill would have affected legitimate lawsuits against firearms manufacturers and sellers for their negligent acts. This bill's prohibitions against restrictions on commerce could provide an unintended shield for firearm manufacturers and sellers that engage in dangerous and harmful activities. I was also concerned that this legislation singles out one industry for special protections, while others do not receive similar treatment.
During consideration of S. 1805 several amendments were offered to the bill. These included amendments to: provide reciprocity for law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons; to regulate the sale of armor piercing bullets; to close the gun show loophole; and to ensure that the families of fatal shooting victims could access the federal courts. These Amendments passed along with several others. Since S. 1805 received only eight supporting votes, it is clear that while supporting reasonable gun safety measures the Senate rejects the idea of special treatment for one industry.
As a U.S. Senator, I support common sense gun control legislation that reduces gun violence while providing the least possible inconvenience to law abiding gun owners. Rest assured, should legislation similar to S. 1805 come before the Senate, I will keep your concerns in mind.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of service in the future, please be in touch.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator
|
I tell you what, they spun the sh*t outta that response. Half truths, omissions....do they really think that those of us who take the time to write/communicate with them don't follow these issues. Who do they think they're fooling?
|
