Congresswoman Barragan

For immediate release

Contact: Dave Perera
(202) 770-7899
dave.perera@mail.house.gov

BARRAGÁN STATEMENT ON HER VOTE AGAINST CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 38, the “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017”:

“I strongly opposed this bill because it will create a dangerous threat to public safety. Forcing states to recognize concealed carry standards from other states, even those with dramatically weaker standards, starts a race to the bottom that will result in reduced protections,” said Rep. Barragán.

“This legislation poses a threat to our constituents and creates an additional burden for law enforcement. Gun violence is a major concern for the communities of  my district, and I will fight any proposal that rolls back gun safety protections.

Although this bill includes modest improvements to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)—including working to ensure that domestic violence records are properly submitted to NICS—it falls short. There’s an epidemic of gun violence in our country. Congress should be focused on closing loopholes and expanding background checks to address the weaknesses in our patchwork of gun laws. I am disappointed that this is the first piece of gun legislation that Congress is considering in the aftermath of the deadliest shooting in our nation’s history.”

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