Values

• The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, “…the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” While some may disagree, I believe the plain language of this Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.

Actions
 

• I introduced H.R. 358 to strengthen federal protections for law abiding Americans traveling with firearms. Current law includes protections for individuals transporting firearms between places where they are legally allowed to have them. However, some states continue to harass and detain travelers who are abiding by federal law. My bill, which is endorsed by the NRA, puts an end to these practices and makes it clear that the rights of American citizens can no longer be ignored.

• I opposed efforts by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring to end reciprocity agreements and stop recognizing concealed carry gun permits from 25 states, including Tennessee, which was to take effect on Monday, February 1, 2016. This action would have had a significant impact on our region, and would have regrettably left concealed carry permit holders from states such as Tennessee without the ability to protect themselves or others from harm. I held a press conference with Rep. Phil Roe to discuss the effects Attorney General Herring’s decision would have had on our constituents who regularly cross state lines – some who do so by simply walking across the street – as well as local law enforcement tasked with carrying out the policy. I am encouraged that the Governor and Attorney General backed off of this misguided decision and were able to negotiate an agreement with Republican leaders of the Virginia General Assembly.

• I am a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, which works to protect and preserve the interests of our nation’s sportsmen, including hunters, shooters, and anglers.