When asked to choose between good and bad news, most people tend to prefer hearing the bad news first and moving on.
That’s the situation with Second Amendment rights and a prominent organization committed to defending them. First, the bad: Gun Owners of America (GOA) Senior Vice President Erich Pratt addressed the Senate Committee on Homeland Security on Wednesday.
Advocate issues stern warning to Congress ahead of midterm elections
Before the hearing, Pratt issued a statement demanding that Congress not relegate gun rights to a lower status.
“The Second Amendment is not an abstract principle–it is a cornerstone of our national security,” the advocate declared. “The right to keep and bear arms is not just about individual self-defense–though it certainly includes that–it is a structural safeguard to ensure that the people remain sovereign.”
Then, on Capitol Hill, he cautioned lawmakers that, if they want to continue enjoying support from the sporting community, they need to rid the nation of lingering gun controls that violate the Constitution.
Pratt explained to the committee that the time for talk is over
Political rhetoric from leaders is one thing, but actions are another, as gun rights supporters know well.
Pratt told lawmakers that they should purge the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) existing gun owner records, enact national reciprocity to eliminate the unworkable patchwork of state and local gun control laws, and much more.
He gave proper due to the Trump administration for reversing course on infringements imposed by the previous White House occupant. Unfortunately, most of the “pro-gun victories” are outside of the DOJ.
“Sadly, the DOJ has continued to fight us in court at almost every turn, including on Biden’s pistol brace ban, his ‘engaged in the business’ rule, and the frame and receiver rule, which registers every gun sold after 2002,” Pratt testified.
With midterm elections looming in November, lawmakers who claim to support the Second Amendment must do more than offer rhetoric.
After all, many incumbents were voted into office on promises to their constituents that they would safeguard gun rights. Those seeking to remain in—or go to—Washington, D.C. must realize that support is not guaranteed, and that if they do not fulfill their pledges, they can be replaced.
There has been plenty of time for elected officials to embrace the Constitution and fully support fundamental rights. Less than seven months remain for “leaders” to lead indeed.
Now, the good.
The DOJ gave up the fight this week to preserve the controversial “engaged in the business” rule. GOA and four state attorneys general successfully sought a preliminary injunction against the regulation, which could require nearly anyone who occasionally buys or sells firearms to obtain a government license.
Encouragingly, the DOJ asked the Fifth Circuit to dismiss its appeal of the preliminary injunction. If that happens, GOA will seek a final order to put the issue to bed for good.
In a press release, the group noted that the “backdoor scheme” was simply another ploy “to move the U.S. as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation.”
A gun owner who lawfully sells their property to another could be charged with a federal crime. And the ATF investigates under the assumption that the seller is guilty until proven innocent.
Pratt, in a statement, declared that the DOJ action is a welcome development.
“We are grateful that the Trump administration has abandoned this Biden-era appeal,” he noted. “This sets the stage to protect the rights of millions against Biden’s anti-gun overreach. Future administrations should think twice before they reinterpret federal law to criminalize the Second Amendment like President Biden.”
There’s no better way to show your patriotism than with merch that speaks before you do.
Defend America is more than a name, it’s a stand for freedom, resilience, and the values this country was built on. Every tee, hat, and mug is a symbol of unapologetic pride. Wear it loud, wear it proud, and let the world know: freedom isn’t negotiable.
Click the link below to join the movement.