Concealed Carry Reciprocity In Congress!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Senator David Vitter (R-LA) has filed a pro-gun amendment to HR 980, and it> could be voted on as early as tomorrow!> > This amendment would protect the right of citizens to carry concealed> weapons (outside of their home state) in states that allow concealed carry.

Sen. Vitter explains that his amendment does not violate the rights of> states as it 'does NOT establish national standards for concealed > carry, nor> does it provide for a national carry permit.'

In other words, the Vitter amendment specifically says that state laws concerning specific types of locations in which firearms may not be carried shall be followed. 'My amendment will not federalize concealed carry permits but simply requires concealed carry permits to be recognized in other states that allow concealed carry permits,' Vitter said.

This is a real reciprocity provision which grants citizens the 'full faith and credit' protection that is guaranteed in Article IV of the Constitution. Section 1 of this article says: Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records, and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

Vitter says that this constitutional provision authorizes the Congress to pass legislation forcing each state to recognize the 'public Acts' of other states. So if states are not willing to recognize another state's laws, Congress has the authority to pass laws to require recognition of those measures.

It's just like with driver's licenses. If certain states refused to honor the driver's licenses of citizens in other states, Congress could pass legislation (under Article IV) to require every state to honor all licenses.

ACTION: Please urge your Senators to vote for the Vitter amendment to HR 980 to protect the right to carry concealed firearms outside of your home state.