For more than 200 years, Washington, DC residents have been denied voting representation in Congress, even though the 600,000 residents pay income taxes and serve their country in times of war.
Now some members of Congress are once again violating DC residents' right to self-governance. They're attempting to overrule local gun control laws with H.R. 6691, the Second Amendment Enforcement Act, an irresponsible piece of legislation that would:
* prohibit DC from enacting any law discouraging gun use or possession,
* allow semiautomatic assaults rifles on DC streets,
* allow the possession of .50 caliber sniper rifles that can pierce armored car plating,
* and even allow teenagers and children to carry loaded assault rifles by repealing age restrictions.
The Supreme Court has ruled that DC must revise its gun control laws, and the DC government is passing local legislation to do just that. But there are those in Congress who are caving into pressure from the NRA and trying to override DC's democratic process and force their own gun laws on DC residents.
Tell Congress that you support bringing democracy to America's Capitol, and that DC deserves self-rule.
For more than 200 years, Washington, DC residents have been denied voting representation in Congress, even though the 600,000 residents pay income taxes and serve their country in times of war.
Now, DC's self-governance is once again under threat. This time by H.R. 6691, the Second Amendment Enforcement Act, a bill that would overrule local gun control laws. This is a bill that would:
* prohibit DC from enacting any law discouraging gun use or possession,
* allow semiautomatic assaults rifles on DC streets,
* allow the possession of .50 caliber sniper rifles that can pierce armored car plating,
* and even allow teenagers and children to carry loaded assault rifles by repealing age restrictions.
DC is already addressing the Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. The District of Columbia government has already enacted legislation to ease firearms restrictions. On September 16, 2008, the DC City Council voted unanimously to comply with the Supreme Court ruling. This measure was signed by Mayor Fenty and takes effect immediately. Consequently, DC residents are now registering handguns for personal protection in their homes.
Also, H.R. 6842, the National Capital Security and Safety Act, introduced by DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, would ensure that the DC government enacts permanent legislation within 180 days. Congress would have the power to review, approve, disapprove or override such permanent DC legislation if it believes the measure is inadequate.
The government of DC, with the informed advice of MPD, is best suited to carrying out the complicated task of developing local laws that satisfy the U.S. Supreme Court's mandate while protecting federal officials and employees, visiting dignitaries, and other individuals.
[Your comments]
I urge you to oppose H.R. 6691 and to support democracy for America's capitol.
