Lamar Lone GOP Vote Against Guns In National Parks

By Kleinheider Posted on May 13, 2009 at 10:28 am

The U.S. Senate yesterday approved 67-29 an amendment to the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009 that would restore concealed carry rights in national parks.

In March, Federal District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a preliminary injunction against the Department of the Interior rule that would have allowed the carrying of firearms in national parks.

Sen. Tom Coburn sponsored the amendment which allows firearms in parks and wildlife refuges, as long as they are allowed by federal, state and local law.

“If an American citizen has a right to carry a firearm in their state, it makes no sense to treat them like a criminal if they pass through a national park while in possession of a firearm,” Coburn said.

Twenty-seven Democrats joined 39 Republicans and one independent in supporting the amendment

Tennessee’s Lamar Alexander was the lone Republican against the amendment.

Alexander issued a statement to the Knoxville News Sentinel’s Michael Silence following the vote.

“I have consistently been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, but this legislation goes too far - further than President Reagan, further than President Bush, and further than Tennessee law,” said Alexander in an email.

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Tags: Bob Corker, gun in parks, Lamar Alexander