House GOP mounts Trump-backed push to expand concealed carry permits for millions of Americans

National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson, a member of House GOP leadership, has introduced a groundbreaking bill that aims to significantly expand concealed carry permissions for Americans nationwide. The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which has already garnered support from over 120 House Republicans, is set to be unveiled by Hudson on Tuesday. Surprisingly, the bill has also received backing from a lone member of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Jared Golden from Maine.

Hudson emphasized the need for states to recognize concealed carry permits from other states, likening it to the recognition of driver’s licenses. He highlighted the absurdity of having to obtain a new driver’s license when crossing state lines, stating that states should honor permits issued by other states. President-elect Trump has expressed his willingness to sign the bill if it passes through Congress.

The bill, which previously made its way through the House in 2017 but stalled in the Senate, has resurfaced under Hudson’s leadership. With the support of a Republican-controlled Congress and the presidency, Hudson is optimistic about the bill’s chances of becoming law this time around.

Currently, there is a disjointed patchwork of concealed carry permitting laws across the country, creating confusion for law-abiding citizens like Shaneen Allen, who found herself facing legal trouble simply for carrying a firearm across state lines. The bill seeks to streamline these laws and prevent individuals from inadvertently becoming criminals by crossing state boundaries.

According to data from the Social Science Research Network, nearly 22 million Americans hold some form of concealed carry permit. Pro-gun groups such as Gun Owners of America (GOA), the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association have thrown their support behind the bill, emphasizing the importance of ensuring reciprocity among states.

Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards harmonizing concealed carry laws nationwide and protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. As the legislative process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how lawmakers navigate the complexities of state-specific laws to achieve a comprehensive and uniform concealed carry permitting system.