June 26, 2008 — Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, gave the following response to today’s 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller, which affirmed the right of individuals to possess handguns within the District of Columbia.

“The right to keep and bear arms is one of the most basic and essential rights protected by our Constitution.  Our Founders understood the existence of evil in the world and the capacity of men to impose their will through force upon other men; and that because of this, freedom can only survive when citizens possess the right and the capacity to defend their own freedom and that of their families."

“While I applaud the Supreme Court’s ruling, it is disturbing to me that four Justices would vote against such a fundamental, clearly Constitutional right.  Their dissent is a reminder that there are those sitting on the judicial bench who represent great danger to the Constitution and our Republic.  It is vital that we all understand that our choice for President will profoundly impact the appointment of Supreme Court Justices and the corresponding fate of our Constitution and the rights of all Americans."