How did North Carolina’s congressional delegation react to the tragic shootings in Sandy Hook, Connecticut? Here are their stances as reported by Carolina Journal:
Supporting more gun
control
• Rep. G. K. Butterfield-D, 1st District
“I support the constitutional right of Americans to bear arms. However, in these modern times, I believe Congress should enact responsible gun laws that would limit the proliferation of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.”
• Rep. David Price, D-4th District
“Rep. Price has called for reinstating the assault weapons ban to get military style weapons off our streets. In the current Congress, he’s also supported measures to close the gun show loophole, strengthen the background check process, and ban large capacity ammunition clips.” — Press Secretary Andrew High
• Rep. Mel Watt, D-12th District
"I would say first of all that I fully support the approach and discussion the president had last night," WRAL quoted Watt as saying. "The Supreme Court has basically elevated the second amendment to the place where the first amendment is elevated.”
• Rep. G. K. Butterfield-D, 1st District
“I support the constitutional right of Americans to bear arms. However, in these modern times, I believe Congress should enact responsible gun laws that would limit the proliferation of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.”
• Rep. David Price, D-4th District
“Rep. Price has called for reinstating the assault weapons ban to get military style weapons off our streets. In the current Congress, he’s also supported measures to close the gun show loophole, strengthen the background check process, and ban large capacity ammunition clips.” — Press Secretary Andrew High
• Rep. Mel Watt, D-12th District
"I would say first of all that I fully support the approach and discussion the president had last night," WRAL quoted Watt as saying. "The Supreme Court has basically elevated the second amendment to the place where the first amendment is elevated.”
• Rep. Howard Coble, R-6th District
Coble said he would not support any of the president’s three gun control proposals.
“Unfortunately, banning assault weapons, limiting high capacity clips or requiring background checks at gun shows will not reduce gun violence,” he added. “If these restrictions are enacted, assault weapons, many of which are made overseas, will still be available; criminals will continue use firearms with high or low capacity clips; and the black market for firearms will flourish.”
• Rep.-elect Richard Hudson, R-8th District
“There are no easy answers, and I do not support new restrictions on our constitutional freedoms to solve this complex societal problem.”
• Rep.-elect George Holding, R-13th District
“It would be reassuring to believe a government program could cure violence but governments have been trying — and failing — for a long time."
“When tragedies like this happen, it’s natural to want to find a cure — quick. This may be the least popular time to say gun control is not the answer — but it’s not.”
Position unclear
• Sen. Richard Burr, R
“This horrendous event highlights the need to provide care and treatment for mentally ill and unstable individuals and continue to work to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.”
• Sen. Kay Hagan, D
“We need a common-sense debate on a comprehensive approach that looks at access to guns, including laws that may have already been on the books, access to mental health care, and violent video games. In the coming months I will review any proposals with an open mind, ensuring that they will improve the safety of our communities without restricting the rights of responsible gun owners as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.”
• Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-2nd District
“This must continue to remain our mission — to protect our citizens and seek and rectify the root causes of these evil acts, rather than focusing on means by which they are accomplished.”
• Rep. Walter Jones, R-3rd District
"As the funerals begin … for those killed [Dec. 14], Congressman Jones feels that there will be plenty of time to argue the politics and constitutionality of gun laws, but right now we need to stay focused on keeping those affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and prayers."
• Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District
“In the wake of devastating tragedies, well-meaning people always feel compelled to do something. But whatever we do must not usurp the deliberative process put in place by our founders of subvert our Constitution,” Foxx said. “We don’t weigh in on hypothetical legislation, but the Congresswoman’s support for the Second Amendment is well-documented,” spokeswoman Erika Perryman added.
• Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-7th District
McIntyre gave the following response to WRAL:
“Our nation needs to have a national dialogue to discuss the culture of violence that has become so prevalent on our society and whether we are doing all we can to protect our citizens while also protecting our 2nd Amendment rights.”
• Rep.-elect Robert Pittenger, R-9th District
"Representative-elect Pittenger understands these are complex issues with no easy answers,” spokesman Brian Mullis said. “He intends to fully explore options to address the problem."
• Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th District
"Let’s respect the families and give them time to grieve before jumping into heated political debates."
• Rep.-elect Mark Meadows-R-11th District
Meadows did not respond to phone or email messages.
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