My First Response

From Senator Ben Cardin:

Dear Mr. TBolt:

 

Thank you for contacting me and expressing your concerns about gun control.

 

In June 2008 the Supreme Court decided the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. The Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual rather than a collective right to possess a firearm. The Court also held that this Second Amendment right is not unlimited, and it is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner for any purpose. 

 

I support the right of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms. During my time in both the House and Senate, I have supported legislation that balances these strong Constitutional rights with responsibilities, through reasonable, common sense regulations. Sensible gun safety laws and vigorous enforcement of those laws are necessary to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and the mentally ill. 

 

Several bills relating to firearms have been introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Should this legislation be reported out of Committee and reach the floor, I will take your views into consideration.

 

I appreciate your sharing your concerns with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future on this or any other matter of importance to you. 

For what it's worth.