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Statement on UN Arms Trade Treaty
Washington,
Jul 16 -
The United Nations is considering an Arms Trade Treaty to regulate the international trade of conventional firearms. Congressman Rigell does not support any treaty that abridges constitutional gun ownership rights in the United States. Tens of millions of Americans own and use guns for personal safety, recreation, hunting, and other lawful activities. The Second Amendment clearly establishes not just the right of Americans to own firearms, but the responsibility of the federal government to actively protect that right.
President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton must remain mindful of their responsibility to steer America clear of any treaty or agreement that would abridge or weaken Americans' Second Amendment rights. For a treaty to be binding, it must be ratified in the United States Senate by a two-thirds majority (67 Senators). Rigell was pleased that a group of 58 senators, led by Sen. Jerry Moran of Kentucky, wrote a letter to the President clearly stating that they would not vote to ratify a treaty that infringes on gun owners’ rights.
On June 29, Rigell and 129 of his House colleagues sent a letter to President Obama reminding him of his obligation to uphold American laws and values and that any treaty which fails to do this will meet with the disapproval of the American public and their elected representatives.
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