WASHINGTON – Two lawmakers are proposing legislation that could drive a Second Amendment showdown in the District: They’re asking Congress to approve repealing D.C.’s gun laws.
“It’s the worst kind of bullying,” says Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton.
That’s how she characterizes the legislation proposed by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to repeal D.C.’s strict gun control laws. Norton says it would put residents, dignitaries and visitors at risk.
“I think there are Republicans and Democrats, regardless of their views on guns, that don’t want us to be a wide open territory for the worst kind of ammunition,” she says.
If it gains support among the leadership, the bill — co-signed by Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio and backed by the NRA — would likely set up a Second Amendment fight between the president and Congress.
It has been an issue important to the National Rifle Association for some time, says Jennifer Baker with the NRA.
“For far too long, the D.C. government has infringed on law-abiding residents of D.C.’s fundamental constitutional right for self protection, and so the NRA, on behalf of our 5 million members, appreciate the efforts of Congressman Jordan and Sen. Rubio in offering this legislation,” Baker says.
Neither representative returned our request for comment on this story.
