House Passes Concealed-Carry Reciprocity Bill

Late yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), which “…ensures that those Americans who can legally carry a concealed firearm in one state will legally be able to do so in every other state,” according to the NRA-ILA statement. Only moments after the vote, Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA-ILA, sat down for a Facebook live interview with Rep. Richard Hudson, one of major players on the Hill who championed the measure and secured its passage by a vote of 231 to 198.

Cox complimented Rep. Hudson on behalf of Second Amendment supporters, explaining he’s, “…done a lot of brave work on behalf of all of us across the country who support this freedom and don’t believe our right to defend ourselves should end at the state line. This was your legislation, your bill, thank you so much on behalf of us all.”

“What a great day for America,” Rep. Hudson replied. “I feel like I’m just giving back to the people the freedom they already have. I’m just honored to be part of this process—to be able to try to bring some common sense. So many, 15 million concealed carry permit holders out there like myself, can become a criminal by crossing an invisible state line. It’s so important that we take this step to protect them.”

The legislation now moves on to the Senate, and the first question from a viewer during the broadcast asked about the measure’s chances there. “Everything’s harder in the Senate,” Rep. Hudson explained, “but I feel better than I’ve ever felt about the prospects in the Senate.”

“Frankly, it’s really in the hands of you watching this today,” he said. “The millions of Americans who care about our freedoms and understand the importance of the Second Amendment, it’s up to you to reach out to your Senators, they way you’ve reached out to me…..tell them how important this is.”

“This is more than politics,” Cox said, emphasizing the important that Senators be contacted immediately. “This is life and death.”