Congressman Hodes stands up for States' Rights and Second Amendment

For Immediate Release

July 10, 2008

Contact:        Mark Bergman

                202-225-5206

Congressman Hodes stands up for States' Rights and Second Amendment

Washington, DC--- Today, Congressman Hodes broke with the House Democratic Leadership and voted to stand up for the rights of states to oversee responsible firearm ownership and protect Second Amendment rights. He voted for the Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1286, the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail Designation Act, which sought to amend the bill to preserve the right of the states and local governments, within the trails area designation, to regulate the possession and carrying of firearms. The measure failed on a vote of 202-211. [http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll483.xml]

Currently, the National Park Service has regulations that limit hunting and the right to carry or possess firearms on lands under its control even in states and localities where it is legally permitted.

“Protecting the liberties of New Hampshire families is one of my highest priorities in Congress. We're not the live free or die state for nothing,” Congressman Paul Hodes said. “The Heller decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed every American’s right to bear arms. This motion said that every New Hampshire family would be allowed to hunt, fish, and participate in other sportsmen’s activities in U.S. National Parks while preventing the federal government from infringing upon the rights of states to properly oversee firearm ownership.”

Congressman Paul Hodes has been a consistent strong supporter of the Second Amendment and he signed onto an amicus brief supporting the majority decision in the Heller landmark U.S. Supreme Court case.