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Concealed-carry debate turns on Second vs. 10th Amendments
Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday clashed over a bill requiring states to accept one another's concealed carry permits, which the GOP said is needed to avoid violations of the Second Amendment to the Constitution. Democrats hit back by saying the bill would trample another GOP concern, states rights, which are preserved by the 10th Amendment.
The bill, H.R. 822, is expected to be approved by the end of Wednesday, on the backing of Republican arguments that the Constitution gives all Americans the right to bear arms, a right that should not be restricted by state laws.
"The Second Amendment is a fundamental right to bear arms, and should not be constrained by state boundary lines," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) said on the floor. "Opposition to this legislation comes from those who believe concealed carry permit holders often commit violent crimes, which is demonstrably false, or from those who want to restrict the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms."
"Because any permit would suffice, this bill would create a race to the bottom, with whatever state has the most permissive concealed carry rules setting national policy," Nadler said.
Republicans have said nothing in the bill would weaken standards related to the right to carry arms.
Nadler also reiterated another Democratic argument — that Republicans are wasting time on gun legislation when they should be focused on jobs.
"The disconnect between the Republican House majority and the American people is beyond belief," he said. "It is no wonder the Congress approval rating is 13 percent according to the latest Gallup poll."
Debate on the bill was set to conclude before 3 p.m., after which 10 amendments will be considered and voted on.
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