WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) wrote a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer expressing his concern over recent comments made by the Attorney General of the United States in support of reinstating the 1994 assault weapons ban.  In his letter, Congressman Skelton, a supporter of Americans’ second amendment rights, urges the Speaker and the Majority Leader not to consider divisive gun control legislation during the 111th Congress.  A copy of the Congressman’s letter is set forth below:

_____________________________

March 5, 2009

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House of Representatives
The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Majority Leader
The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Madam Speaker and Leader Hoyer,

          As a representative of rural Missouri and a supporter of the Constitution's Second Amendment right to bear arms, I am extremely concerned with remarks made recently by the Attorney General of the United States in support of reinstating the 1994 assault weapons ban.  In small town America, responsible gun ownership is part of the fabric of society.  Firearms are used for recreation, for hunting, and for defending homes and families.

          In recent weeks, I have admired the President for trying to bring our country together to confront some of the most difficult challenges we have faced in the history of the United States.  People around the country are losing jobs at staggering rates, credit markets remain largely frozen, health care and college education costs are soaring, and America remains at war on two fronts.  The American people expect us to be focused on these critical issues.

          I am convinced that any effort to consider gun control legislation similar to the measure endorsed by the Attorney General will unnecessarily divide the country and their elected representatives. Such a division would undercut the ability of Congress to address the economic and defense needs of America. It would also weaken the trust many rural Americans have placed in the Congress and the Administration.

          I opposed the 1994 assault weapons ban and am hopeful that you will not schedule consideration of similar legislation during the 111th Congress.

      With respect, I remain

 

      IKE SKELTON
      Member of Congress

cc: The Attorney General of the United States

- 30 -

Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.