Sen Capito Letter

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the Second Amendment; it was good to hear from you and I appreciate the opportunity to learn your views on this issue.

I have always been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights throughout my time in Congress. The right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is enshrined in both our federal constitution and in West Virginia’s state constitution. Responsible gun ownership is part of our heritage in West Virginia and should not be threatened.

During the 116th Congress, I was a co-sponsor of S. 69 – the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2019. This bill would allow a qualified individual to carry a concealed handgun into or possess a concealed handgun in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. I was a proud original cosponsor of this bill because the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the constitution, and responsible gun ownership should not be limited.

As your Senator during the 117th Congress, I will continue to bolster Second Amendment rights. I will also fight to protect Second Amendment-related industries from political discrimination. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor the Fair Access to Financial Services Act. This bill would prevent banks from denying service based on the politically contentious nature of the industry, such as firearms or ammunition manufacturers.

I am also a co-sponsor of the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act, introduced by Senator Steve Daines of Montana. This legislation strengthens federal protection for gun owners who travel through jurisdictions that have more stringent firearm laws as they transport firearms across state lines. I am proud to support legislation like the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act, which recognizes the fundamental right of law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms for hunting, for sport, and for self-defense.

As you know, under the Biden Administration, the ATF has issued multiple notices of proposed rulemaking. I share your concerns that an activist ATF will infringe on West Virginians’ constitutional rights, and please be assured that I will work with my colleagues to ensure that the ATF follows all relevant statutes as Congress enacted them. I strongly opposed the nominations of David Chipman and Steven Dettelbach to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and will continue to fight agency overreach.

Additionally, during President Donald Trump’s administration, I was encouraged to see him advance qualified, impartial judicial nominees who will faithfully abide by our constitution. I applauded President Trump’s appointment of Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.

Together, I believe that Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett will decide cases fairly, based on our Constitution and the law, and not based on personal beliefs. This is why I proudly voted in favor of their confirmations. In addition to the Supreme Court nominees, the Senate confirmed a record number of federal circuit and district court judges nominated by President Trump who will support our constitutional rights, with my support.

Please be assured that I will continue to support and strengthen the Second Amendment under the Biden Administration. I am committed to protecting my fellow West Virginians’ constitutional rights, and will stand firmly against any efforts to undermine these rights. Again, thank you for contacting me.  I look forward to hearing from you again soon and invite you to visit my website, www.capito.senate.gov, for further information and to sign up for my e-mail newsletter.  It is an honor to serve you.