The words of the Second Amendment are clear and direct:  "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." 

Yet the Second Amendment continues to be one of the most hotly debated Amendments in American history.  Gun control proponents across the country are trying to limit and take away the rights of individuals to possess firearms.  Such actions are both unconstitutional and a threat to our liberty.  I strongly oppose any legislation that threatens the Second Amendment rights of Tennesseans and Americans.

I have never wavered in my strong support of protecting our 2nd Amendment rights, and I voted for the National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011. This legislation allows licensed firearm owners to carry out their God-given right more freely. The right to carry a firearm is a right that allows law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and is crucial to the freedom of our country.