This month we need to help Rep. Cliff Stearns of Florida get cosponsors for his bill, H.R. 492. If enacted into law, this would set up a federal reciprocity system for concealed carry permits, as well as allow qualified current and former law enforcement officials to carry concealed, regardless of state law. The bill currently is in the Crime Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee.
The best way to get the point across to our federal legislators is by corresponding with them. Phone calls and e-mails are good, but handwritten letters are the best. The more work that has to go into the letter, the more impact it makes. Form letters should be avoided. The letters should be short, two to three paragraphs at best, and to the point. They should focus exclusively on the bill, H.R. 492. Encourage your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the bill for the following reasons: State boundaries are arbitrary, behavior does not change from one state to the next; and concealed carry laws correlate with increases in public safety and decreases in violent crime.
Even if your particular Representative is notoriously anti-gun, a letter should be written. It shows that there are pro-gun constituents who vote and who are active in politics. Keep the letters positive and polite as you are representing the pro-gun community as a whole.
Your U.S. Representative’s address may be found in the government pages of your phone book. You could also call CCRKBA at (425) 454-4911 for assistance.