D.C. Personal Protection Act Introduced In Senate

(FAIRFAX, VA) – Today, Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison introduced “The District of Columbia Personal Protection Act” in the U.S. Senate.  The legislation aims to reverse the city’s 28-year handgun ban by restoring self-protection rights for law-abiding citizens.  The legislation also repeals D.C.’s gun registration law.  Last fall, the U.S. House of Representatives approved this measure on a bi-partisan vote of 250-171. 

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison stated, “This is much needed legislation.  Residents of our nation’s capital are at the mercy of criminals – even in their homes.  I look forward to seeing the rights of law-abiding residents restored.  For the good of these lawful folks, I urge my colleagues to support the D.C. Personal Protection Act this year.”

            Current District of Columbia law bans all handguns that were not registered before 1977.  The few remaining legal D.C. resident handgun owners are prohibited from carrying their handguns in their own homes.  Legally registered and owned rifles and shotguns must be stored unloaded and disassembled or locked, rendering them useless for self-defense unless the gun is kept at a place of business.  

“After living under years of failed gun control laws, the law-abiding citizens of Washington, D.C. deserve their Constitutional right to protect themselves.  The National Rifle Association (NRA) commends Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison for her leadership on this issue, as well as the other co-sponsors of this important legislation,” Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist, stated.

            Despite its prohibitive gun ban, the District of Columbia has repeatedly earned the title of “murder capital of America”.  According the FBI statistics, from 1976 to 2001, the national crime rate fell 36%, as Washington D.C.’s crime rate soared 72%. 

            “There is a reason why D.C. has the highest crime rates in America – criminals know that law-abiding citizens are defenseless against them,” Cox added.  “Finally, Congress has a chance to correct this wrong and allow D.C. residents to protect themselves and their loved ones.  NRA asks all freedom-loving Americans to ask their Senators to vote for this bill.  It is high-time residents in Washington, D.C. are given their Second Amendment rights back.”  

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