On December 10, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an NRA-backed amendment, introduced by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), to allow Amtrak travelers to transport firearms in checked baggage where checked baggage service is available.  The Wicker amendment was included along with several government agencies' appropriations bills in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010. 

"We would like to thank Sen. Wicker for his persistence in standing up for the rights of rail travelers," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.  "This is a victory for every law-abiding American who now has the freedom to travel on Amtrak with a lawfully-owned firearm." 

The Firearms Owners' Protection Act protects law-abiding gun owners from local interference when traveling by car, and the Transportation Security Administration has rules for transporting guns in checked baggage for those traveling by air.  But for nearly a decade, those who travel by train have been prohibited from bringing firearms on board Amtrak.  The Wicker Amendment will fix that problem.

The amendment is expected to be approved in the U.S. Senate next week.  Once approved, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 will head to President Obama for his expected signature. 

"This has been a long and hard-fought battle.  NRA will continue to work to ensure that this measure is implemented by Amtrak," concluded Cox.