Calls for Consistent Policies that Do Not Infringe Upon Rights of Law-Abiding Citizens

Senator John Ensign joined a bipartisan group today (December 17, 2007)  to send U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne a letter urging him to uphold the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges.  Currently, the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service prohibit individuals from carrying a firearm; however, other federal land management agencies allow the transporting and carrying of firearms in accordance with local state laws.

“I fundamentally believe that we should protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” said Ensign.  “And when it comes to federal lands, we should have a consistent policy that does not infringe upon these rights.  Today’s letter is a first step, and I’m hopeful that Secretary Kempthorne will alleviate this concern.”

The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service allow law-abiding citizens to carry and transport firearms.  The inconsistent policies across federal agencies pertaining to firearms are confusing, burdensome and unnecessary.

“Moving to a standard policy would respect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners,” said Ensign.

The letter to Secretary Kempthorne was signed by Ensign and 47 senators from both sides of the aisle.