I believe in the Second Amendment and it is my duty to uphold the Constitution of the United States as an elected representative of the people. With that in mind, I am extremely troubled by the president’s efforts to restrict the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding folks like you. This egregious attempt to punish those who play by the rules is not acceptable.

It is my belief that any attempt by the Obama Administration to pass gun control through Executive Action is a slippery slope and highlights a dangerous disregard for the rights and freedoms guaranteed to every American in the Bill of Rights. Instead of trying to restrict Second Amendment rights, the Obama Administration should focus on promoting the American values that encourage strong families and a respect for the sanctity of human life, while working to ensure that those with mental illnesses are able to receive the care they need.

Certainly, the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, in December made it clear that we must have a serious conversation about why these shootings are occurring and, more importantly, what we can do to help prevent them. I am committed to examining the origins of these catastrophes but I do not believe it is appropriate to allow knee-jerk reactions from the White House to influence federal policy. I will continue to do everything in my power to determine how we can best prevent terrible tragedies like that of Newtown, Connecticut, but trampling on the Second Amendment is not the way to go about it. Instead of attacking the rights of law abiding citizens, we should be tackling the vital issues of mental health. 

Unfortunately, the Obama Administration and some in Congress wish to avoid having this important discussion. Rather than take time to discuss the root cause of these tragedies, which is the troubled individuals who execute them, the Administration feels they should pander to the far left’s gun control agenda.  The Administration’s efforts to quickly propose major policy changes to Congress while mandating changes through executive action makes it clear to me that this president and his allies are not serious about having any meaningful, transparent conversations about this important issue.

I will continue to support an American’s right to bear arms and will continue to serve as a voice for responsible policymaking in Congress. I am closely monitoring the administration’s actions on gun control and will take any and all steps necessary to ensure that longstanding legislative procedure is not circumvented and that Congress’s legislative role is protected.