Johnson entered the U.S. Air Force in 1973, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a distinguished military career of more than 26 years. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Troy University in Troy, Alabama in 1979, and he earned his Master’s Degree from Georgia Tech in 1984. During his tenure in the U.S. Air Force, Johnson was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Squadron Officers School, and Air Command & Staff College. Bill is also a proud recipient of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. As Director of the Air Force’s Chief Information Officer Staff at U.S. Special Operations Command, Johnson worked directly with senior congressional and Secretary of Defense representatives, as well as top leaders within the various U.S. intelligence communities, to ensure America’s Special Operations forces were adequately equipped to carry out critical national security missions.
As a 26-year veteran of the Air Force, gun owner, concealed carry permit holder, and lifetime member of the NRA, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. I am opposed to any measure that would restrict the rights of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms - including any efforts to place limitations on the right to bear arms.
I firmly believe that Americans should feel safe in their homes and communities – and we have a Constitutional right to protect ourselves and our families. Upholding the Second Amendment and keeping the American people safe are not mutually exclusive.
I am a cosponsor of several pieces of legislation intended to protect the Second Amendment, including:
H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2019, would allow law-abiding citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit to conceal a handgun in any other state that allows concealed carry.
H.R. 155 would fix the flawed federal over-regulation of suppressors, making it easier for hunters and sportsmen to protect their hearing in the 42 states where private suppressor ownership is currently legal, and the 40 states where hunting with a suppressor is legal. Specifically, this legislation would remove suppressors from the onerous requirements of the National Firearms Act, and instead require purchasers to pass an instant National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check, the same background check that is used to purchase a firearm.