He seems to be taking a firmer stance on this than he did a few months ago.








                   

                   

                       
                       

Dear Mr. (name), Thank you very much for taking the time to participate in my survey on the NY SAFE Act.  As your Representative, it is important for me to listen to my constituents and engage with you on issues, particularly when they concern the Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution.  This helps me know where to focus my efforts. Throughout my district, I have heard strong opposition to the NY SAFE Act.  This opposition relates to both the content of the bill and the manner in which the legislation was passed.  In fact, many towns and counties in the 19th Congressional District have passed resolutions asking for the repeal of the SAFE Act. This sentiment was echoed by the responses to the online survey.  Over 8,200 responses have already been submitted, with 64.7 percent opposed to the NY SAFE Act and 32.7 percent supporting it. As you know, I have been an outspoken supporter of our Second Amendment rights.  I oppose federal gun registries and the ban on semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.  Therefore, I have been strongly opposed to the NY SAFE Act. As a federal legislator, I will oppose similar efforts in Congress. For example, Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) introduced an assault weapons ban proposal and President Obama released his own outline of gun control proposals in January.  I do not support either of those plans and would vote against them if considered by the House. As a former soldier, it pains me to see our citizens affected by gun violence on our own streets, schools and other public places.  I believe there is an emerging consensus on the need for more robust support and treatment options for mental illnesses that are often the cause of these horrific tragedies.  The husband of a social worker, I know firsthand the positive impact and necessity of mental health treatment. Taking guns away from law abiding individuals is not going to solve the problem.  We must gauge how well we are doing now in keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill while respecting the rights of law abiding citizens. The Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights provides that "a well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." This is a fundamental American right and should be preserved. Thank you again for taking the time to complete my survey, and please don't hesitate to inform me of your views in the future through my website http://gibson.house.gov/.

                           

                               

                                   
Sincerely,


                                   
                                   

                                       

                                           

                                               

                                           

                                       

                                   

                                   Chris Gibson


                                   Member of Congress