Newhouse Stands Up for Central Washington's 2nd Amendment Rights

Press Release

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting "No" on the Senate Amendment to the House Amendment to S. 2938 -- Senate Gun Control Act which undermines the constitutionally-guaranteed rights of law-abiding citizens, including the right to bear arms and the right to due process.

"I am a strong, life-long supporter of the Second Amendment and the protection of law-abiding citizens' right to keep and bear arms. Like many Central Washingtonians, I grew up responsibly exercising my constitutional right to bear arms, and I am a longstanding advocate for the protection of those rights.

While this package takes significant steps to increase school safety to protect our children and improve mental health treatment and services, both of which are priorities of mine, the legislation lacks clear definitions over state records and due process protections to ensure that states do not have the ability to infringe upon Americans' 2nd Amendment rights. The bill also fails to provide certainty to federally licensed firearms dealers as to what constitutes a "willful violation" that could potentially cost them their license to sell.

Law-abiding citizens should not have to fear the federal government regulating their firearms out of existence.

I have repeatedly advocated for increased school safety and supported an increase in funding and resources for School Resource Officers and will continue to work to address school safety and mental health resources to ensure our communities remain safe, and our freedoms remain protected."

Specifically, this legislation would:

* Not ensure adequate due process protections are in place to ensure that states do not abuse the rights provided by the Second Amendment.
* Allow states to utilize this bill, and taxpayer funds, to delay the approval of purchasing a firearm for responsible gun owners.
* Delay the process for 18--20-year-olds--citizens who can vote and fight to protect our constitutional rights--to purchase a firearm.
* Fail to provide clarity for federally licensed firearms dealers as to what constitutes a willful violation that could potentially cost them their license to sell.

There has been a 500% increase in license revocation proceedings under the Biden Administration, and under this legislation, lawful retailers could be left without clear guidance.

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