Dear Michael,
Thanks for getting in touch and letting me know what's on your mind regarding guns in national parks.
I am a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights. So was President Reagan, who established rules allowing guns in national parks as long as they were unloaded. And so was President George W. Bush, who determined that gun owners with conceal-and-carry permits could carry guns in national parks - although this regulation was put on hold by a federal court. I supported these rules of both President Reagan and President Bush.
On May 12, 2009, the Senate approved an amendment to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act that would allow individuals to bring loaded firearms into national parks and wildlife refuges - including, for the first time, individuals without conceal-and-carry permits.
I voted against this amendment because it goes too far - further than President Reagan, further than President Bush, and further than Tennessee law. I have consistently been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, but I also support the Tenth Amendment respecting the powers of the states.
I am grateful that you took the time to let me know where you stand. I'll be sure to keep your comments in mind as this important issue is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Lamar