The Right to Bear Arms 

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affirms a right that is fundamental to a free society, which in turn depends on personal responsibility.  As a proud Texan and gun-owner myself, I know just how important that right is.  Indeed, it is the freedom that secures the First Amendment rights.

Moreover, the Second Amendment right of Americans “to keep and bear Arms” has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States in two significant cases: McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010) and District of Columbia v. Heller (2008).  Those two decisions declared unconstitutional the virtual ban on the ownership of handguns imposed by Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.  The Court reaffirmed that the Second Amendment grants an individual the right to bear arms in defense of one’s home, and that right applies to all levels of government.

The Right to Life 

It is no secret that I am unapologetically pro-life.  As a member of Congress’ Values Action Team (VAT) and the House Pro-Life Caucus, I am committed to protecting pro-life policies while pushing back on Democrat proposals to promote the so-called “pro-choice” agenda.  I have consistently voted in support of measures to prevent abortions, as well as the use of taxpayer money for such an egregious practice.

Freedom of Speech, Conscience, and Assembly

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Peaceful protests are an American right, and all voices deserve to be heard.  That said, violence is never the answer.  America is a nation of laws, and those who break our laws must be met with swift justice.  As a nation, we must find a way to come together and heal in a respectful discourse, upholding both the rule of law and the freedom of speech.