Second Amendment
I am committed to protecting the rights of the tens of thousands of responsible gun owners in Oklahoma who safely use guns for hunting and protection.
As one of the founding principles of our nation, the right to bear arms must be fully upheld. Our founders knew that true freedom from despotism required ordinary citizens to have the means to defend themselves from tyrannical advances. Although society has evolved, the need to secure our freedom is timeless.
Of all the rights found in the United States Constitution, only one—the right to bear arms—is included to ensure that all other rights are upheld. Our founders knew that in order for our republican democracy to respect the rights of our citizens, we could never leave them defenseless to despotism. Although our society has evolved, this right to bear arms remains. In Oklahoma, we know that guns are tools, to be used responsibly. Our state song, “Oklahoma” from the musical of the same name, contains the phrase “we know we belong to the land.” For many of us, that relationship with the land comes from a heritage of hunting and fishing, a heritage passed down through many generations. I am a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) because I will not stand to see this heritage broken and our Second Amendment rights violated.
Many who do not share this sporting heritage may see guns as a societal evil even though they have no knowledge of firearms. Calls to limit citizens’ access to guns from those who have never handled a firearm cannot be heeded. We cannot let activists in Washington tell Oklahomans what is best for us. This is why I fight tirelessly to ensure that Second Amendment rights are secure for Oklahomans. Additionally, I have supported efforts to overturn onerous gun bans in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Ill., because when our citizens' rights are violated anywhere, they are in danger everywhere.
We also cannot allow government officials to recklessly arm dangerous criminals. Operation Fast and Furious put guns in the hands of dangerous cartel members operating along the border. This irresponsible program put every law enforcement official along the border in danger and led to the death of one brave Border Patrol agent, Agent Brian Terry. I am working with my colleagues to make sure we learn everything we can about this failed operation, and to hold accountable those officials who put Fast and Furious in place.