Last week, I was honored to speak to the NRA Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum in Charlotte. As a life-long hunter and a member of the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus, protecting our right to bear arms is very important to me.
I have been a hunter since I was a kid, and now am blessed to be able to take my son hunting. I know the important lessons of teamwork, discipline and patience that kids can learn from hunting. I also know how important it is for them to be safe.
This week, I will introduce legislation commending the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program. Eddie Eagle has taught the fundamentals of gun safety to more than 23 million elementary-aged children since the program’s inception in 1988. Since 1988, the annual number of firearm accidents among elementary-aged children has declined more than 80 percent. Experts think Eddie Eagle has been a huge part of this dramatic decline. My legislation already has more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors and is expected to be voted on in the next few weeks.
In the last Congress, I was proud to vote for important legislation that guarantees the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry arms in National Parks and Refuges. I also voted for a bill to restore second amendment rights within the home for self-protection. In this Congress, I have cosponsored important legislation including the National Reciprocity Bill, The Veterans’ Heritage Act, and the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act—all important bills to protect the second amendment.
Sportsmanship is personally important to me, but it is also vital to tourism and the local economy in Western North Carolina. I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak at the NRA Forum last week about the importance of upholding the second amendment, as I am always proud to create and enact legislation to uphold this important Constitutional right. As my gun safety legislation progresses, I will be sure to keep you informed.
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