harvesters hard at work in fields

Our Second Amendment Rights

June 16, 2013
E-Newsletters

It seems every year there's another attempt in Congress to weaken our Second Amendment rights. Gun control bills come in all shapes and sizes. But this year, gun opponents have a new tactic up their sleeve: new taxes and fees on the purchase of firearms or ammunition.

Just look at what Cook County, Illinois – home to the city of Chicago – recently did. The County Board instituted a $25 tax on the purchase of each new gun. The Board President had also proposed a 5-cent "bullet tax," an idea that was later dropped. Lawmakers in at least seven states –California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington – have introduced similar proposals, as has Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 793).

That's why I have filed legislation to prohibit states and municipalities from enacting such measures. Taxing the purchase of firearms or ammunition is the equivalent to charging a poll tax for exercising the right to vote, and it could put these basic self-defense tools out of financial reach for many average Americans. My bill has been endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and I appreciate their support.

I consider myself a friend of responsible and law-abiding gun owners, and believe the rights of these individuals need to be preserved. Our Bill of Rights was written to limit the government's role in our lives and keep it from becoming too powerful. I will actively and aggressively fight every attempt to weaken any of the amendments to the Constitution. The right to keep and bear arms is as fundamental as the right to free speech.

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Sincerely,
Sam Graves



MILITARY ACADEMY NOMINATIONS

As school lets out for the summer, Congressman Graves is once again asking talented students who are interested in being nominated to a military academy to contact his office. Academy applications are being accepted through this fall. Students must be at least 17 years of age and no more than 23 as of July 1, 2014. They must also be a legal resident of the Sixth Congressional District.

Those who are interested may contact Shawna Searcy at (816) 792-3976 or email her at Shawna.Searcy@mail.house.gov for additional details. Our office will send an information packet explaining the application process in detail. Applicants will need to have all the requested materials to our office by October 18, 2013. Interviews will be held in November and nominees will be announced in January of 2014.

Our office is accepting applications for the following academies:

  • United States Military Academy, West Point, New York;
  • United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland;
  • United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York; and
  • United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.



MOBILE OFFICE HOURS

As a reminder, this month's Mobile Office Hours, where you can meet with a member of Congressman Graves' staff near you, are:

Wednesday, June 19th
City Hall, Blue Springs – 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, June 20th
Public Library, Carrollton – 9:00 a.m.
Chariton County Courthouse, Keytesville – 11:00 a.m.
City Hall, Marceline – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 25th
Sullivan County Library, Milan – 9:00 a.m.
PC Café and Resource Center, Unionville – 11:00 a.m.
Schuyler County Courthouse, Lancaster – 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 26st
City Hall, Buckner – 11:00 a.m.