An act of FREEdom
By 
Randy Weber
US congressman Randy Weber writes about his work as part of our nation’s government – exclusively in The Post
THE JOB of the US supreme court is to interpret the United States’ constitution. Unfortunately, over the past few years, the court has expanded its role from interpreter of the law to an independent policy maker.
The recent supreme-court decisions of Obergefell v Hodges – same-sex couples have the right to marry – and King v Burwell – affordable-care-act tax credits apply in every state in the nation – were judicial activism at its worst. Unfortunately, these decisions have left me concerned on how far US courts are willing to bend our laws or the constitution in the future.
In order to combat judicial activism, I have recently introduced house resolution 3425, the firearm rights equally enforced act. My legislation would allow responsible and licensed firearm owners to carry across all state lines.
It is vital that our citizens who lawfully obtain a license or permit are able to protect themselves and their families nationwide without having to deal with the excessive red tape certain states impose on our second-amendment rights.
There can be no argument that citizens recognize the importance of protecting themselves. Since 2007, concealed-carry permits have increased by 156 per cent for men and 270 per cent for women, according to a study by Crime Prevention Research Center. During this same period, the national murder rate fell to 4.2 people per 100,000 from 5.6 people per 100,000.
It is not just law-abiding citizens who realize the importance of an armed citizenry. Three out of five felons polled in a department-of-justice survey agreed that a criminal will not mess with a person they know to be armed.
This month, police officials from several jurisdictions across the country, including District Of Columbia, Baltimore and Chicago, met to discuss the recent uptick in violence across the country and voiced concern for the increasing trends of street violence and murder.
Instead of restricting the ability to own a firearm, Americans should be empowered and educated on how to protect their families in order to feel safe and secure, no matter where they are.
The second amendment was written to protect our inalienable right to keep and bear arms. If the supreme court is willing to expand upon one part of our constitution, then I believe they might do so with every part. It is the job of congress and states to thwart judicial activism with sound policies that protect our communities.
Randy Weber is the US representative for the 14th district of Texas, which covers Brazoria, Galveston and Jefferson Counties.
