Engel Votes Against H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today spoke out and voted against H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill House Republicans pushed through that would force states like New York, with strong gun laws, to honor permits from states with weak or non-existent concealed carry laws. The bill would allow anyone with a permit from any state to carry a concealed, loaded handgun in public.

“This bill is attack on common-sense gun laws across the country. It doesn’t create a national standard, but instead, lets the states with the weakest laws dictate safety standards for everyone else,” Engel said. “Thirty-one states require safety training. Thirty-five states prohibit domestic abusers from carrying concealed weapons. Twenty-seven states prohibit people convicted of violent misdemeanors from carrying concealed weapons. All of these state laws will be overridden if H.R. 38 becomes law.

“It is unconscionable that in the wake of two of the worst mass shootings in modern American history, Republicans are trying to dismantle gun laws. We must fight on behalf of the safety of all Americans and pass comprehensive gun safety laws, not this dangerous bill.

“So much for the Republican mantra of ‘State’s rights.’”

  

For video of Congressman Engel’s remarks in opposition to H.R. 38, please click here.