perfectcircle1
Member
Just received this return email from senator Susan Collins...
Dear Mr. XXXXX
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about gun legislation being considered by Congress. I share your commitment to protecting the Second Amendment and appreciate your comments in defense of the constitutional right to bear arms.
I grew up in northern Maine, where responsible gun ownership is part of the heritage of many families. Throughout my Senate service, I have worked to uphold this heritage, and have opposed legislation that would infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. I also remain strongly opposed to a national gun registry and national buyback programs. As you are no doubt aware, Maine has one of the highest rates of gun ownership, yet the lowest rate of violent crime in the country.
In the wake of recent tragedies, several gun control proposals have been introduced in Congress, including Senator Feinstein's Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 (S.150), which I oppose. On March 19, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the Assault Weapons Ban would not be included in the text of a gun measure scheduled to be brought to the Senate floor for consideration later this month due to lack of support for the ban. S.150 would impose onerous and unneeded requirements on gun owners, sportsmen, and firearms manufacturers.
As was the case in the Connecticut, Colorado, and Arizona shootings, severe mental illness is a common factor in many of these tragedies. We need to have a national dialogue to evaluate how we as a society can better identify and care for troubled individuals who pose a threat to themselves and others. I am an original cosponsor of S.264, the Excellence in Mental Health Act. Our current system is fragmented, and patients with serious mental illness all too often lack access to the care that they need. This bipartisan bill would expand access to mental health care for these individuals through our nation's Community Mental Health Centers. It will also improve the quality of mental health care by holding these centers accountable to higher standards.
I believe that denying the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens won't change the behavior of those who intend to use firearms for destructive and tragic purposes. Instead, our laws should focus on keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and those with severe mental illnesses who could endanger themselves or others.
Thank you again for contacting me on this important matter. Please be assured that I stand behind the constitutional right to bear arms and will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers gun legislation.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins United States Senator
Dear Mr. XXXXX
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about gun legislation being considered by Congress. I share your commitment to protecting the Second Amendment and appreciate your comments in defense of the constitutional right to bear arms.
I grew up in northern Maine, where responsible gun ownership is part of the heritage of many families. Throughout my Senate service, I have worked to uphold this heritage, and have opposed legislation that would infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. I also remain strongly opposed to a national gun registry and national buyback programs. As you are no doubt aware, Maine has one of the highest rates of gun ownership, yet the lowest rate of violent crime in the country.
In the wake of recent tragedies, several gun control proposals have been introduced in Congress, including Senator Feinstein's Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 (S.150), which I oppose. On March 19, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the Assault Weapons Ban would not be included in the text of a gun measure scheduled to be brought to the Senate floor for consideration later this month due to lack of support for the ban. S.150 would impose onerous and unneeded requirements on gun owners, sportsmen, and firearms manufacturers.
As was the case in the Connecticut, Colorado, and Arizona shootings, severe mental illness is a common factor in many of these tragedies. We need to have a national dialogue to evaluate how we as a society can better identify and care for troubled individuals who pose a threat to themselves and others. I am an original cosponsor of S.264, the Excellence in Mental Health Act. Our current system is fragmented, and patients with serious mental illness all too often lack access to the care that they need. This bipartisan bill would expand access to mental health care for these individuals through our nation's Community Mental Health Centers. It will also improve the quality of mental health care by holding these centers accountable to higher standards.
I believe that denying the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens won't change the behavior of those who intend to use firearms for destructive and tragic purposes. Instead, our laws should focus on keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and those with severe mental illnesses who could endanger themselves or others.
Thank you again for contacting me on this important matter. Please be assured that I stand behind the constitutional right to bear arms and will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers gun legislation.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins United States Senator
