Triumph Of Second Amendment Rights

Floor Speech

TRIUMPH OF SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS -- (House of Representatives - March 12, 2007)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Friday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned one of the most unfair laws on the books. The Court upheld second amendment rights and struck down D.C.'s misguided law prohibiting handgun ownership.

For too long D.C. residents have been denied the fundamental right to protect themselves and their families. This ruling is truly a victory for law-abiding, gun-owning citizens in the tradition of the late Rick Daniel, who championed the success of concealed weapons permits in South Carolina.

I find it ironic that our Nation's capital, a symbol of American freedoms and rights worldwide, has had one of the most restrictive gun control laws in the country. Despite these oppressive measures, D.C. has maintained one of the highest murder rates in the Nation. Sadly, last July, 13 people were killed in 12 days.

I applaud the court for defending the Constitution and returning to D.C. residents their right to bear arms.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

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