Buck Fights for Second Chance at Second Amendment Rights

FOR IMMEDAITE RELEASE

CONTACT: Katherine Rosario, 202-226-8414

Washington - Today Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) gave Americans a second chance to exercise their Second Amendment rights. He offered an amendment to the FY16 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2578). The amendment was adopted by voice vote. Congressman Buck released the following statement:

"America is a land of second chances. One mistake should not define your future. A law-abiding, 45-year-old dad who made one mistake at 18 should have the choice of how best to protect his family or to take his kids hunting. He should have the chance to make a petition to restore his constitutional right to bear arms. This solution is long overdue." said Congressman Buck.   

The amendment allows people who made a mistake to petition the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) for restoration of their Second Amendment rights. They can seek this relief by petitioning the District Court in the District in which they reside.

In 1986, Congress voted to create a program to allow Americans subject to a federal gun ban to petition BATFE to have their rights restored. Since the early 1990's Congress has annually adopted an appropriations rider by then-Rep. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), which cuts off all funds for the implementation of BATFE's system to restore Second Amendment rights. 

Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04) is the Freshman Class President. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.  He serves on the OGR Subcommittees on Government Operations and the Interior and is a member of the Judiciary Subcommittees on Immigration and Border Security and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.

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