Complete Opposites: H.R. 1096 and H.R. 1022

By Chris Chumita

The first quarter of 2007 has come to an end, and we saw two important gun bills introduced at the federal level. They both would have a profound effect on our Second Amendment rights. One bill is all about freedom and the other is all about control. Since both of these bills are important, all Second Amendment activists must be fully informed about H.R. 1096 and H.R.1022.

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H.R.1096, also known as the “Second Amendment Protection Act of 2007”, was introduced by Representative Ron Paul. Unfortunately, it has no co-sponsors. This bill is all about freedom, and restoration of our Second Amendment rights to what was envisioned by our founding fathers.

H.R.1096 is short and to the point. It repeals the 1993 Brady Bill which established a waiting period/instant check system. You can read why the instant background check system may be a bad idea here. It also repeals the “Child Safety Lock Act of 2005” and the “sporting purpose” distinction. The “sporting purpose” distinction is able to be used to ban certain types of guns. You can read the entire text of H.R.1096 here.

Representative Paul introduced H.R.1096 because he feels that the government should not infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms. Unfortunately, there is very little chance that H.R.1096 will pass. However, it is a great opportunity for you to contact your representatives and tell them that you want them to support the true meaning of the Second Amendment.

It should also be noted that representative Ron Paul has recently started his campaign to win the Republican nomination for President. You can learn more about his campaign here.

H.R.1022, also known as the “Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2007”, was introduced by Representative Carolyn McCarthy. Over 30 co-sponsors have signed onto the bill and it is a nightmare for gun owners. It is a TRUE threat to our Second Amendment rights, it MUST be taken seriously.

H.R.1022 has often been referred to as the “Clinton Gun Ban On Steroids,” because it goes way beyond the now defunct Clinton Gun Ban. It will reauthorize all of the stuff you hated about the Clinton Gun Ban, such as the ban of high capacity magazines and certain cosmetic features on semi-automatic rifles.

It also bans a large number of firearms by name. It bans all of the “usual suspects” like the AK variants, AR variants, and the Uzi. However, it also bans firearms such as the Kel-Tec Sub Rifle, Ruger Mini-14, and the Hi-Point Carbine. In addition, it also bans certain shotguns such as the Armscor 30 BG.

The complete text of H.R.1022 is available here. It contains the complete list of firearms and features that would be banned.

We cannot stress enough the need to get involved in defeating H.R.1022. If this bill passes, it may very well be due to our apathy.

Contact your representatives today and urge them to OPPOSE H.R. 1022. However, even that may not be enough. If you have not already done so join, or financially support, the national Second Amendment organizations who are opposing H.R.1022. For example, the National Rifle Association (NRA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). Together we can defeat it.

Chris Chumita is an active volunteer and leader with the Buckeye Firearms Association.