U.S. House GOP moves to condemn gun-grabbing Gov. MLG over illegal order
A substantial coalition of House Republicans, spearheaded by Representative Dan Newhouse of Washington, has introduced a resolution on Thursday aimed at condemning the actions of Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico regarding her recently blocked ban on carrying firearms.
The GOP resolution is a response to Governor Grisham’s emergency order, which suspended both concealed and open carry of firearms in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Bernalillo County for a minimum of 30 days. This move has drawn criticism from Republicans, some Democrats, and Second Amendment advocates, who argue that it infringes upon the constitutional rights of Americans.
Rep. Newhouse expressed his concerns, stating, “The shocking move from Governor Grisham is a blatant subversion of the U.S. Constitution and a violation of her oath of office while she deprives the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms. The Governor’s action should send a chill up every American’s spine as it strips away the protection of individual rights and freedom, which sets a dangerous precedent for the rights of Central Washingtonians and Americans across our nation. I’m proud to lead this resolution to condemn the Governor’s actions and I call on her to rescind her order immediately.”
Over 50 Republicans have joined Rep. Newhouse in introducing this resolution, including prominent figures like GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise, GOP Whip Tom Emmer, GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, and GOP Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, among others.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have also endorsed the resolution, with NSSF senior vice president Lawrence Keane remarking, “The order is Constitutionally baseless, and there are no laws or regulations giving the state’s Regulation and Licensing Department authority to inspect federally licensed firearm retailers. By falsely declaring a rise in crime as a public health emergency and suspending the rights of the law-abiding people of New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is proving her contempt for the U.S. Bill of Rights, New Mexico’s Constitution, her oath of office and the voters of New Mexico. NSSF appreciates Congressman Newhouse’s leadership in pushing back against this blatant and unconstitutional power grab and joins him in this fight.”
Governor Grisham’s emergency order was issued in response to recent gun-related deaths in New Mexico, including the tragic killing of an 11-year-old boy outside a minor league baseball stadium. However, the order has faced substantial opposition since its issuance.
Rep. Newhouse’s resolution condemns Governor Grisham for “subverting the Second Amendment of the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.” It also highlights that the order imposes fines and civil penalties on New Mexico citizens who exercise their Second Amendment rights, while directing local law enforcement to apprehend violators.
The resolution emphasizes the absolute nature of rights secured by the Constitution and argues that any attempt by a Governor to strip citizens of their rights deserves condemnation from Congress.
Furthermore, the resolution quotes several Supreme Court cases affirming the Second Amendment and references Governor Grisham’s statement that no constitutional right, in her view, “is intended to be absolute.”
This resolution comes after a federal judge in Albuquerque issued a temporary restraining order blocking key elements of Governor Grisham’s executive order. U.S. District Court Judge David Urias issued the order, which prohibits the enforcement of the portion of the order that restricts lawful gun owners from carrying their firearms in public for 30 days.
Judge Urias, during the court hearing, emphasized that the violation of a constitutional right, even for brief periods, constitutes irreparable harm. The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until at least October 3, the date of the next hearing.
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