NRA Statement on Governor Christie's Conditional Vetoes of Anti-Gun Bills

Fairfax, Va. - The executive director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), Chris W. Cox, today issued the following statement in response to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s heroic decision to conditionally veto A.3689 and S.816, two anti-gun bills that would further restrict the rights of firearm owners throughout the Garden State:

“We applaud Governor Christie for his defense of the Second Amendment and sharing the pro-freedom opinion held by the vast majority of American people. Time and again Americans have supported the fundamental right to own a firearm, and we are proud that the governor stood up to the infringements New Jersey gun owners would have faced under gun control bills A.3689 and S.816. While we continue to support advancements and technology in the firearm industry, we will only do so when those advancements will not restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens. As the governor reaffirmed with his veto, the marketplace is where new firearm technologies should be embraced – not by the dictate of politicians.

"The Governor's veto today sends legislation back to the Legislature with changes. If adopted, this action would remove a subjective impediment to permit issuance. This subjective standard has been the sole basis for uniformly rejecting virtually every permit application submitted. This action represents an historic event in New Jersey, given the state's extreme anti-gun laws. Our New Jersey members truly appreciate this unprecedented action where the Governor is not only criticizing the Legislature for its assault on a basic fundamental right, but he was bold enough to call for 'shall issue' carry. On behalf of the NRA's five million members, we thank Governor Christie for his vetoes and the political courage he demonstrated standing up to one of the most anti-gun Legislatures in the country.”

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.