Protecting our right to keep and bear arms

    “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” – The Constitution of the United States, Amendment 2.
Growing up in central Maine, I understand the importance and tradition of fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling and exercising our Second Amendment rights. For example, I still use my .22 long-lever action Marlin rifle that I bought when I was 14 years old.
Our hard-working and law-abiding families, especially in The County, have a long history of gun ownership and using firearms responsibly. Maine has one of the highest rates of firearms possessions and one of the lowest rates of gun violence.
When I was sworn in to Congress, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. To that end, I have cosponsored bills that will help protect our right to keep and bear arms.
Last week, I became an original cosponsor of H.R. 986, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2015. This bill allow Mainers, who have a valid concealed carry permit, to cross state borders and have their permit be valid as long as that state allows concealed carry permits/licenses. Our law-abiding taxpayers should be able to defend themselves and their property as they travel the country.
Furthermore, I also became a cosponsor of H.R. 578, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act. This bill will allow our hard-working and law-abiding taxpayers to possess firearms and State-issued concealed carry permits on lands owned and operated by the United State Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). With over 7 million acres of land owned by the USACE, our taxpayers should be able to defend themselves and their property as they legally fish, hunt and camp.
Over the years, our forefathers, service members and many others have fought to defend our freedoms, including our right to keep and bear arms. As your representative, I will continue their fight and always support and uphold our Constitution.