Michele Bachmann - The Second Amendment
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2011
Summary
Congresswoman Bachmann states that she is a strong supporter of second amendment rights. When the supreme court shot down the ban on firearms in D.C., Congresswoman Bachmann stated that she was pleased to see the Supreme Court uphold the Constitution and restore Second Amendment rights long denied to D.C residents. She stated that the Second Amendment has been attacked by Washington politicians for far too long, and that she was glad to see the freedom of DC residents to own a firearm was protected. This sentiment was echoed a similar law was overturned in Chicago.
In her campaign literature, Congresswoman Bachmann notes that the Second Amendment states that the people have a right to keep and bear arms, and that she believes that citizens who are in compliance with the law should not have that guaranteed right taken away.
Support for Heller Decision
In June of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her support for the supreme court decision in DC vs Heller.
Bachmann Applauds Supreme Court for Upholding D.C. Residents’ Second Amendment Rights
Washington, D.C., Jun 26, 2008 -
U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) made the following statement in response to the Supreme Court decision overturning the District of Columbia gun ban, restoring Second Amendment rights to residents of the District:
"I was pleased to see the Supreme Court uphold our nation’s greatest document, the Constitution, today restoring Second Amendment rights long denied to D.C residents by their extraordinarily restrictive firearm ban. The Second Amendment, which guarantees the individual right to bear arms, has been attacked by Washington politicians for far too long. Our Founding Fathers wrote this Amendment to protect the rights of our citizens. It’s a relief to hear that the voices of D.C.’s citizens were heard at the U.S. Supreme Court and that their freedom to own a firearm was protected."
Today, the House Financial Service Committee adopted language offered by Congresswoman Bachmann to protect the Second Amendment rights of public housing tenants during a mark-up on H.R. 6216, the Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act. Recently, several public housing authorities were forcing law-abiding citizens to give up their Second Amendment rights in order to reside in taxpayer subsidized public housing.
That same month, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed noting the supreme court ruling. She also remarks about the Financial Services Committee adopting language to allow public housing tenants second amendment rights.
D.C. Firearm Ban Shot Down
6/26/2008 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
I was pleased to see today that the Supreme Court upheld our nation’s greatest document, the Constitution, by restoring Second Amendment rights long denied to D.C residents by their extraordinarily restrictive firearm ban.
The Second Amendment guarantees the individual a right to bear arms, and for too long it has been attacked by Washington politicians. Our Founding Fathers wrote this Amendment to protect the rights of our citizens, and their voices were heard today by the Supreme Court as their freedom to own a firearm was protected.
I was also pleased that yesterday the House Financial Services Committee adopted language I offered to protect the Second Amendment rights of public housing tenants during a mark-up on H.R. 6216, the Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act. Recently, several public housing authorities were forcing law-abiding citizens to give up their Second Amendment rights in order to reside in taxpayer subsidized public housing.
Support for McDonald Decision
In June of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed stating her support for a Supreme Court Decision that found gun laws in Chicago violated the second amendment.
Big Win Today for the Second Amendment
6/28/2010 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
Today, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that says that Second Amendment is still the law of the land. While Second Amendment advocates celebrate a victory, I have to point out what’s so shocking about the ruling: it had to come from the Supreme Court.
Contrary to what local and appellate courts ruled previously in this case, the Supreme Court today affirmed that the Constitution of the United States is a document that covers every citizen regardless of gender, age or hometown and as such, the Second Amendment is a right of every American citizen.
The United States Constitution was written to be timeless and universal in its application and as the Senate begins hearings today to confirm the nomination of Elena Kagan to the highest court in our Nation, it’s important to remember that judicial activism has no place in America's courts. It’s my sincere hope that with today’s ruling, we will see a renewed trust and implementation of the Constitutional rights our forefathers designated to be the eternal rule of the land.
Official Website Statements
Minnesota Values
Minnesota has its own unique way of life, traditions, and culture. I am a strong advocate of Minnesota’s hunting and fishing heritage, and I firmly support the right of law-abiding citizens to own and bear arms.
Our Founding Fathers considered this right so fundamental that they protected it in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Second Amendment states that the people’s right to keep and bear arms may not be infringed, and I believe that citizens who are in compliance with the law should not have that guaranteed right taken away. I am a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus which is a bipartisan group of nearly 300 U.S. Representatives and Senators committed to fish and wildlife conservation and preserving opportunities to hunt, fish and trap.
Additionally, I firmly believe the right to life extends to all people – including the born and unborn. I am a member of the bi-partisan Congressional Prayer Caucus and believe that our nation must never be ashamed of its Judeo-Christian roots and faith.
Campaign Website Statements
Minnesota Values
As a strong advocate for a culture of life, I have earned the support of the Susan B. Anthony List, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), and the National Pro-Life Alliance. My legislation, the Positive Alternatives Act, makes it clear that the pro-life position supports the unborn child and the mother.
As a former foster-mother for 23 children, I have been an advocate for foster families in Congress and was recently appointed to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Advisory Board. In fact, I testified before the House Ways and Means Committee for my School Choice for Foster Kids Act, which would provide some stability for foster children.
In the State Senate, I led the charge to free Minnesota education from the federal No Child Left Behind mandates and in Congress I am continuing my work to return control over education to parents and local educators.
I fully support Minnesota’s hunting and fishing heritage, earning me the backing of the NRA and sportsmen across the District.
Voting Record
National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011
In November of 2011, the House passed the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011. The legislation was designed to amend the federal criminal code to authorize a person who is carrying a government-issued photographic identification document and a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state to carry a concealed handgun in another state in accordance with the restrictions of that state. It passed the House with the support of almost all Republicans and about 1/4 of the Democrats. Michele Bachmann cast a "No Vote"
Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation
Fairness in Firearm Testing Act - Cosponsor
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to make a video recording of the entire process of its examination and testing of an item for the purpose of determining whether the item is a firearm (and if so, the type of firearm) or ammunition. Bars ATF from editing or erasing any such recording. Directs ATF to make available a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording: (1) at the request of a person who claims an ownership interest in such item; and (2) to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving such item. Provides that an item which ATF has determined is a firearm or ammunition shall not be admissible as evidence unless: (1) ATF has complied with the requirements of this Act to make its digital video disc available; or (2) such compliance has been waived in writing by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence.
Second Amendment Enforcement Act - Cosponsor
Amends specified law prohibiting the killing of wild birds and wild animals in the District of Columbia to declare that nothing in it or any other provision of law shall authorize or be construed to permit the Council, the Mayor, or any governmental or regulatory authority of the District to prohibit, constructively prohibit, or unduly burden the ability of persons otherwise not prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law from acquiring, possessing in their homes or businesses, transporting for legitimate purposes, or using for sporting, self-protection or other lawful purposes, any firearm neither prohibited by federal law nor subject to the National Firearms Act. Denies the District any authority to enact laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms. Declares that nothing in such prohibitions shall be construed to prohibit the District from regulating the carrying of firearms by a person, either concealed or openly, other than at the person's dwelling place, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person.
District of Columbia Personal Protection Act - Cosponsor
To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2007 - Cosponsor
To reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, modernize firearms laws and regulations, protect the community from criminals, and for other purposes.
Fairness in Firearm Testing Act - Cosponsor
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to make a video recording of the entire process of its examination and testing of an item for the purpose of determining whether the item is a firearm (and if so, the type of firearm) or ammunition. Bars ATF from editing or erasing any such recording. Directs ATF to make available a digital video disc that contains a copy of the recording: (1) at the request of a person who claims an ownership interest in such item; and (2) to a defendant in a criminal proceeding involving such item. Provides that an item which ATF has determined is a firearm or ammunition shall not be admissible as evidence unless: (1) ATF has complied with the requirements of this Act to make its digital video disc available; or (2) such compliance has been waived in writing by the person against whom the item is offered as evidence.
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