GOP leaders are taking action to protect gun owners and prevent President Biden from declaring a health emergency in response to gun violence. This comes as Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham attempted to enact a 30-day ban on carrying guns in public areas, citing gun violence as a public health crisis. In response, Senator Mike Braun and fourteen other GOP leaders introduced the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023, a bill aimed at preventing the White House from declaring gun violence a national health emergency. The bill seeks to solidify the right to self-defense and ensures that the Second Amendment cannot be suspended via executive power. The legislation is gaining support in the GOP-led House, with Representative Michael Cloud introducing a similar bill in response to Governor Grisham’s measure. The push to protect gun owners’ rights highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gun control measures in the United States.
GOP leaders push to protect gun owners and prevent Biden from declaring health emergency over gun violence
GOP leaders introduce bill to prevent gun violence as a national health emergency
Republican leaders, led by Sen. Mike Braun, have introduced a bill aimed at protecting gun owners’ rights and preventing President Biden from declaring gun violence a national health emergency. The bill, known as the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023, seeks to address concerns over the abuse of public health emergencies to impose gun control measures. The introduction of this bill comes in response to recent attempts by Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to enact a 30-day prohibition on carrying guns in public areas.
Democratic New Mexico governor attempts to ban guns through health emergency declaration
Governor Grisham’s attempt to enact a 30-day ban on carrying guns in public areas has garnered significant attention and controversy. The governor cited gun violence as a public health crisis and attempted to address it through a health emergency declaration. However, her move was met with backlash from GOP leaders, who argue that public health emergencies should not be used as a means to impose gun control measures. A judge subsequently blocked the governor’s gun ban.
Preventing Biden’s Health Emergency
Legislation gaining support in GOP-led House
The bill introduced by Sen. Mike Braun and other GOP leaders is gaining support in the GOP-led House. U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, in response to Governor Grisham’s measure, introduced a bill with the same name. Reps. Pete Sessions and Mary Miller are among the co-sponsors of Cloud’s bill. The legislation aims to push back against what GOP leaders perceive as an overreach by the governor in attempting to ban guns.
Judge blocks governor’s 30-day gun ban
A judge has temporarily blocked sections of Governor Grisham’s public health order, including the 30-day gun ban. While recognizing the significant problem of gun violence, particularly involving the deaths of children, the judge’s ruling indicates a need to balance public safety concerns with the protection of Constitutional rights. In response to the ruling, the governor amended the rule to restrict guns at public parks or playgrounds, where there is deemed to be a high risk to children and families.
Health and Human Services Secretary labels gun violence a public health crisis
Gun violence has gained recognition as a public health crisis by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. This acknowledgement follows a mass shooting at an Atlanta medical office building, which led California officials to write a letter urging Becerra to formally recognize it as a public health emergency. This designation further highlights the urgency of addressing the issue of gun violence and its impact on public health in the United States.
Previous introduction of the bill by GOP senator
Sen. Mike Braun had previously introduced the bill in 2021 and as an amendment in July of this year. The bill, which aims to protect gun owners’ rights and prevent the abuse of public health emergencies for gun control measures, has gained support among GOP senators. Several GOP senators, including Thom Tillis, Kevin Cramer, and Cynthia Lummis, are co-sponsors of the bill, signaling their commitment to safeguarding Second Amendment rights.
List of co-sponsors for the bill
The bill to protect gun owners’ rights and prevent the declaration of a national health emergency over gun violence has garnered support from several GOP senators. Co-sponsors of the bill include Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Jim Risch of Idaho, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Steve Daines of Montana, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Rick Scott of Florida, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, and Josh Hawley of Missouri. These senators are working together to ensure that the right to bear arms is protected and that public health emergencies are not used as a means to infringe upon this right.
In conclusion, GOP leaders are taking proactive measures to protect the rights of gun owners and prevent the abuse of public health emergencies for gun control purposes. The bill introduced by Sen. Mike Braun and supported by several GOP senators aims to prevent the declaration of a national health emergency over gun violence. With growing support in the GOP-led House, it is clear that these leaders are committed to defending the Second Amendment and ensuring that public safety concerns are addressed without infringing upon Constitutional rights.
