WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) affirmed
his support for the 2nd Amendment by voting for a provision that would let law-abiding citizens
carry firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges in compliance with the law of the state in
which the park or refuge is located. This legislation passed in the Senate on May 19th and passed
in the U.S. House 279-147 on May 20th.
Included as an amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009, this
2nd Amendment provision unifies regulations in national parks and wildlife refuges around the
country, putting an end to a patchwork system of regulation. At this time, the Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management permit carrying of firearms, but the National Park Service and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (which controls wildlife refuges) do not.
“I believe the Second Amendment provides for a fundamental personal right to keep and bear
firearms, and I am committed to protecting this right from any intrusive legislation or action by
the Federal government,” said Rep. Shuler following the vote.
The provision regarding firearms was added to the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights in the
Senate. The House affirmed its support for the Senate version after originally passing the
measure on April 30.
The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act increases consumer protections against unfair,
deceptive, and anti-competitive credit card practices. Among other protections, the legislation
imposes a 45-day advance notice for credit card account rate increases.
“The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights is an important step in America’s economic recovery
process,” Rep. Shuler remarked. “These regulations will help American consumers feel more
secure in their financial futures.”
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