Senate State Affairs Committee Moves Resolution Opposing Federal Gun Licensing, Tracking Bill

HR 45 is de facto Gun Registration Bill

JUNEAU – The Senate State Affairs committee today passed SJR 6, a resolution expressing the Alaska Legislature’s opposition to a bill introduced in Congress that would require federal licenses for firearm users in the U.S. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Gene Therriault, R-North Pole, who said the congressional bill, HR 45, is in essence a gun registration bill that assaults the 2nd Amendment rights of Americans.

“This bill in Congress would require anyone who possesses a firearm to have a federal license to do so, and makes it a felony to fail to report transfers, loss or theft of a firearm,” Therriault said. “As we have seen so often around the world – in Germany, in England, and most recently in Australia – restricting or taking away firearms from law abiding private citizens does not reduce crime, but is followed by more crime.”

Therriault said he appreciates the quick action by the Senate State Affairs committee and the support of its chairwoman, Sen. Linda Menard, R-Wasilla.

The text of SJR 6 calls on members of Congress, and especially Alaska’s Congressional Delegation, to reject HR 45 and support firearm education programs, instead. SJR 6 has as further referral to the Senate Judiciary committee.

# # #