A Republican lawmaker introduced legislation Tuesday to let trained members of Congress carry guns for self-defense in the wake of last week's shooting at a GOP baseball practice.
Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas, wants to ensure all lawmakers can qualify for concealed-carry permits that could be used in any state and "in nearly every conceivable scenario with only a few restrictions," The Washington Free Beacon reported.
For example, the bill would allow members of Congress to carry a concealed weapon in "federal parks and buildings, the national mall, to and from their offices, at schools and military bases" with just "a few limited restrictions," Babin's office said, Free Beacon reported.
Lawmakers currently face restrictions on carrying guns when they are in Washington; the District of Columbia has strict gun laws, and firearms are prohibited in the Capitol.
"The tragic events of last week make it clearer than ever that we need to take steps to enable members of Congress to protect themselves," Babin said in a statement, referring to the June 14 attack at a Virginia ballfield that wounded four people, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La.
"With the increase in security threats to members of Congress and our staffs, this is an important and necessary step that we must take."
Under the bill, lawmakers would be allowed to qualify for a concealed carry permit through home-state training or through the Capitol Police – and could pay for the training and certification through their annual taxpayer-funded representational allowances.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.