Gun rights could see ‘most monumental’ win in Congress since 2005, advocate says

Congress took a significant step this week by advancing two bills aimed at expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The first bill, H.R. 38, known as the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and the second bill, H.R. 2184, the Firearm Due Process Protection Act, were both debated and passed out of committee on Tuesday. This marks the initial stage before the bills can be considered by the full House of Representatives and eventually the Senate.

According to a legislative expert from the National Rifle Association (NRA), H.R. 38 would be the “most monumental” win for Second Amendment rights in over 20 years if signed into law. The bill seeks to implement nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry permits, allowing law-abiding gun owners with a permit in one state to carry in another state that permits concealed carry but may not have reciprocity.

John Commerford, the executive director of the NRA’s congressional lobbying arm, emphasized the importance of the right of self-defense not ending simply because one crosses a state line. He highlighted the significance of H.R. 38 in expanding gun rights, comparing it to the Protection of Lawful Commerce and Arms Act passed in 2005.

While more than half of U.S. states have reciprocity laws, H.R. 38 would enable individuals with concealed carry permits in states with favorable gun laws to carry concealed firearms in states like Los Angeles and Chicago, which do not have reciprocity laws but allow concealed carry. Current laws could lead to severe penalties for individuals crossing state lines with concealed weapons, highlighting the need for federal-level reciprocity.

The second bill, H.R. 2184, aims to enhance the rights of individuals seeking to purchase a firearm who may be denied due to errors in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). If a buyer appeals a denial based on an error, the bill would require federal officials to make a determination within 60 days. Failure to respond within the timeline would allow gun owners to seek a court judgment to obtain one.

While advocates for Second Amendment rights see these bills as crucial steps in restoring gun owners’ rights, opponents like Emma Brown, executive director of the gun control advocacy group Giffords, express concerns about the potential impact on gun violence and law enforcement safety. As these bills progress through Congress, the debate surrounding gun rights and regulations continues to be a prominent issue in the national dialogue.