ED THELANDER STATEMENT ON RECENT GUN LEGISLATION
"I find it ironic that, on the same day the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling that bolsters the “shall not be infringed” language in the 2nd Amendment, Congress took a significant step toward further restrictions of gun ownership rights in America.
I'm a firm believer that we do not need new gun laws - we just need to enforce those common-sense gun laws that are already on the books. We also desperately need to address the growing mental health crisis. I do support putting more resources into that effort, and am glad to see increased funding for child and family mental health services included in the bill.
However, I find the “red flag law” component of the bill to be of real concern. Under that provision, lawfully-owned firearms could be seized before the accused has an opportunity to contest the accusations against them. This lack of due process is clearly unconstitutional. While the decision whether to implement these laws is left to the states, the efforts will be funded at the federal level. This is very troubling. My opponent, Representative Chellie Pingree, has consistently advocated for the imposition of federal “red flag” laws, recently touting the “Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act”, which she co-sponsored.
What is most needed now are the following action-items: A serious effort to ensure that the laws that are already on the books are followed and enforced; Increased focus on the growing mental health crisis; Implementation of safety protocols in schools around the nation that protect our children in the same manner we protect all other state and federal buildings.
I became a deputy sheriff after watching an active shooter drill at my kids' school and realized I could help. I want to advance constructive solutions that don't involve creating restrictions on constitutional rights. That's a slippery slope. It's clear that focusing on the mental health component, and earnestly enforcing existing gun laws will yield the greatest results."
–Ed Thelander is the Republican candidate for Maine’s 1st Congressional District and resides in Bristol
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Ed Thelander is a United States Navy veteran. Use of his military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.
Paid for and authorized by The Committee to Elect Ed Thelander for Congress, Inc.
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