Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-8) responded to Gov. Quinn's proposed ban on assault weapons, writing:
Gov. Quinn's decision to ban the NRA-backed ammunition purchase reform bill is just another example which highlights his long standing record of treading on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
Currently, Illinois is the only state in this nation that denies its citizens the right to keep and bear arms. The veto by Gov. Quinn does nothing but impose more restrictions on law-abiding citizens and reinforces how archaic Illinois' gun laws have become and how important it is that they be repealed.
"Time and again, the state's anti-gun policies have proven ineffective at best and un-safe for law-abiding citizens at worst," Walsh said. "Currently, Illinois is the only state in this nation that has not passed a conceal and carry gun law. Why? It is time for state lawmakers to give our constituents the
constitutional right to protect themselves."
Violent crime in the United States has steadily dropped since the 1990s, yet crime rates in major cities in Illinois continue to increase. There has been a 35% spike in crime rates this year alone, and Chicago has one of the highest murder rates in the country.
"I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, and I will continue to fight for my constituents' Second Amendment rights."
