Demand Action on "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act" (HR 822)

As we previously reported, in Nov., the ongoing effort to fully vindicate the fundamental, individual right to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense took a major step forward with House passage of H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.” The bill, sponsored by Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), which has 245 cosponsors, was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 272-154.

Though several amendments were offered to undermine the bill’s protections, thankfully, every one of these amendments was soundly defeated by an overwhelming bipartisan vote.  The bill was then sent to the Senate, where it remains.  Since November, the Senate has failed to take any significant action on the bill. 

The "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011" is very good legislation for gun owners.  The time is past due to dispel the alarmist rhetoric about the bill, and to set the record straight.  

H.R. 822 is a GOOD bill and is GOOD for gun owners.  The bill ENHANCES Americans' right to self-defense by enabling millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense outside the home.  H.R. 822 would require states to recognize each others' lawfully-issued carry permits, just as they recognize driver's licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.

H.R. 822 DOES NOT:

• Create a federal licensing or registration system;
• Establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit;
• Involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permit;
• Destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.

Please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to pass the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011" immediately!

You can find contact information for your U.S. Senators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org.  You may also contact your Senators by phone at (202) 224-3121. 

Again, H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners.  Don't listen to false claims.  Read the bill yourself and read our fact sheet to get more facts.