Bilirakis Votes Against Unconstitutional Gun Control Bill, Urges Colleagues to Make Communities Safer by Addressing Root Cause of Violence

Press Release

Earlier today, Representative Gus Bilirakis voted against the "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" because the legislation would undermine the fundamental Constitutional rights of Americans by criminalizing routine firearm transactions, singling out law-abiding citizens under the age of 21 for heightened scrutiny, and eroding due process protections for Americans subject to red flag laws. Of specific concern is the bill's undermining of evidentiary standards, and failure to guarantee that the right to counsel is provided to the respondent in any red flag proceedings. Government should not infringe upon Americans' Second Amendment rights without, at minimum, an opportunity to be heard, to confront his or her accuser, to be represented by counsel, and to be subject to robust evidentiary standards. Bilirakis further explained his objections noting that the legislation fundamentally takes the wrong approach to tackling the rise in violence that has been seen throughout the nation.

"We will not make our communities safer by restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens who wish to exercise their 2nd amendment rights to protect themselves and their families," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "We must address root causes of violence while enforcing existing laws and prosecuting criminals. We took an important step toward that goal with passage of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act earlier this week. This bipartisan bill will help ensure access to quality mental health treatment for children and young adults. Additionally, my STAND-UP Act, which was recently signed into law, will improve school safety by training students and staff on how to identify those who may be at-risk for harming themselves or others, how to anonymously report concerning behavior, and how to link those in need of help with community resources."

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