Like many Coloradans, I grew up learning how to use a rifle and fully recognize that gun ownership is part of the way of life in the West. From my personal experience with guns, and my relationship with many gun owners, I know that there is a difference between using guns for recreational purposes or self-protection, and using them to harm others. I also believe that every American--whether they own a gun or not--has a stake in reducing criminal violence.

Overview

• As a matter of constitutional liberties I believe the 2nd Amendment is an individual right and not just a right for collective action (forming a militia).
• In the wake of Columbine, I supported Colorado's actions to appropriately address concerns about easy access to guns by young people, and Congress's passage of legislation to better regulate gun show operations and prevent dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands. I was also an early and strong supporter of Project Exile.
• I am also working with gun owner organizations to find ways that we can add more target shooting ranges and recreational opportunities for responsible gun owners without compromising public safety.

Gun ownership has a constitutional foundation reflected in the Second Amendment, and this has to be taken into account when government looks to regulate, ban, or restrict the sale of guns.

In Colorado, of course, we all were affected by the terrible tragedy of Columbine, and I believe that then-Governor Owens and the Colorado State Legislature acted appropriately to address concerns about easy access to guns by young people. I also believe Congress needed to pass legislation to better regulate gun show operations and prevent dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands. I was an early and strong supporter of Project Exile that was a cooperative effort between law enforcement and the National Rifle Association (NRA) to prevent criminals from acquiring weapons.

Over the years, gun legislation has involved balancing the constitutional protections guaranteed by the Second Amendment with the promotion of public safety. A recent decision by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals suggesting that the District's so-called "gun ban" may be unconstitutional has, in my opinion, properly clarified the more expansive reach of Second Amendment. The decision makes clear that the Second Amendment is not just a collective right to form a citizen militia, but also an individual right. Constitutionally protected gun use, therefore, includes not only recreational activities like hunting or gun collection, but also the use of guns for self-protection.

As a matter of public policy that ought to unite both gun rights advocates and those supporting more gun control laws, I believe we must focus on preventing criminals from purchasing and carrying deadly weapons.

I am also working with gun owner organizations to find ways that we can add more target shooting ranges and recreational opportunities for responsible gun owners without compromising public safety.

Smart gun policy means finding the correct balance between gun use and public safety, and to do so in a way that respects constitutional liberties. That has been my approach in Congress and one I will continue in the United States Senate.