Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN) will soon be reintroducing his national reciprocity bill that protects the right of citizens to carry their firearms into other states.
Hostettler's language has a huge advantage over other reciprocity-type bills in that it does not punish states for being too pro-gun. His bill would not penalize citizens from states like Alaska and Vermont, because his proposal doesn't require a citizen to first get a permit to enjoy reciprocity in another state.
Most carry bills in Congress seek to establish reciprocity ONLY between gun control states. These bills force people to jump through officially-mandated hurdles and get carry permits before they can carry firearms into neighboring states.
But now that more and more states are debating whether to adopt Alaska/Vermont style carry laws, it is important that the federal government NOT penalize citizens from those states.
Rep. Hostettler's bill, known as the Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act, is just what America needs. His draft would allow law-abiding citizens who can legally carry in their home state -- even without a permit -- to carry all across the country.
And, of course, for those gun owners who already HAVE concealed carry permits, the SAFE Act will provide complete nationwide reciprocity.
ACTION: Please ask your Representative to cosponsor Rep. Hostettler's concealed carry bill, the Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2005. This bill -- which will probably be introduced on Thursday, so it doesn't yet have a bill number! -- will guarantee Americans the ability to carry firearms from one state into the next.
You can visit the Gun Owners Legislative Action Center at http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm to send your Representative a pre-written e-mail message.
Dear Representative:
I hope that you will become an original cosponsor of Rep. Hostettler's concealed carry bill, the Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2005.
Murder rates have been falling across the country in recent years, as more and more states are making it easier for law-abiding citizens to carry firearms.
This should come as no surprise since studies show that guns in good people's hands are a deterrent to criminals and, ultimately, save lives.
There are now more than 35 states which make it relatively easy for their citizens to carry firearms. In so doing, these states are putting criminals on notice that they face repercussions from honest civilians.
Let's be honest. No concealed carry law has ever gotten criminals to seek the government's permission to carry. As always, gun control only burdens the good guys, not the crooks.
The Hostettler bill will allow citizens who are authorized to carry in their home states to travel safely into other states. We desperately need a law like this, since the right to keep and bear arms should not end at one's state border.
Again, I urge you to cosponsor the Hostettler carry bill. Please let me know what you intend to do. Thank you.
Sincerely,
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