A response from my Rep

[DryBones]

Just got this response yesterday from Rep Robert Hurt regarding one of my letters to him. looks like fence walking to me but I could be wrong. why can't they just come out and say yea or nay on an issue?

February 13, 2013



Dear Mr. XXXXXXX:

Thank you for your recent communication concerning the right to bear arms. I appreciate your taking the time to express your thoughts on this important matter. I am grateful for the privilege of representing you and serving as a voice for the citizens of Virginia's Fifth District.

On December 14, 2012, our nation experienced an unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, CT. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible event, as well as to their families and loved ones. Now is the time to pause and reflect as to how we can prevent such events in the future in a manner consistent with our rights and values.

Like you, I believe that the constitutional right to keep and bear arms and the ability to defend one's self are fundamental liberties which were expressly protected by our Founding Fathers. I am firmly committed to protecting the rights and freedoms set forth by the Second Amendment for law-abiding citizens of the Fifth District and across this country. Tragic episodes of violence demonstrate that bad and violent people are capable of devastatingly senseless acts. However, as you point out, restricting the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens will not prevent violent people in our society from doing harm.

The horrible events in Newtown require us to examine policies that will ensure greater safety in our communities and our schools. In the aftermath of the tragedy in Newtown, we must take a comprehensive look at finding ways to prevent such tragedies, including examining measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. These changes, however, must be made through the proper legislative process with input from Americans and not executive actions which subvert the ability of citizens to express their views. Please be assured that I will show your views every consideration when relevant legislation comes before the U.S. House of Representatives for action.

I hope you will stay connected to our office with updates on the latest news, legislation, and other useful information, by signing up for our e-newsletter on our website, hurt.house.gov. Thank you again for your communication and please do not hesitate to contact our office with any future questions or comments.



Sincerely,


Robert Hurt
Member of Congress

[VBshooter]

Looks just like all the others from different reps...Must be a form letter,,,,

[Taggure]

This is The response that I recieved back from Senator Warner:

Dear Mr.

Thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut and your views on gun control.

On December 14, 2012, 20 innocent children and six adults lost their lives in one of the worst, most tragic shootings to ever occur in the United States. As a parent of three daughters, this was the ultimate nightmare. Like the Virginia Tech and Columbine shootings, this tragedy unfolded in what was once regarded as a safe haven free of crime and violence: a school.

I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. I own firearms and I have an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association. However, I also recognize that, like with many of our constitutional rights, our Second Amendment rights are not without limits. It is unfortunate that a tragedy of this magnitude is what is needed to prompt action, but we need to have a serious discussion on how to best avoid these kinds of mass shootings in the future. The status quo is not acceptable.

I believe our discussion should cover many issues. We can start by taking action on issues that enjoy widespread support, such as broadening background checks for gun purchases, ensuring all appropriate records are submitted into the background check database, and making improvements to our mental health system so we can provide help to those with dangerous mental illnesses before it is too late. In addition, I have received many comments from across the Commonwealth regarding the White House task force's recommendations to curb gun violence. I am actively reviewing these recommendations and will carefully consider related legislation as it is developed and introduced in the Senate. As I formulate my position, I urge you to continue to express your views.

Again, thank you for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my newsletter please visit my website at http://warner.senate.gov.



Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator