“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The right of each and every law abiding citizen to “Keep and Bear Arms” is a cornerstone of our American history and a right that is held in high regard by all responsible Alaskans. Senator Begich is proud to be a long-standing member of the NRA and continues to take very seriously his responsibilities as a U.S. senator to defend the Second Amendment for Alaska and our country.

The issue of Second Amendment rights came up early in his term. In February 2009, he voted in support of Senate Amendment 575 to S. 160, the DC Voting Rights Act. The Amendment, which passed by 62 to 36, was intended to restore the Second Amendment Rights to individuals living in the District of Columbia.

Recently he submitted an Amicus (Friend of the Court) brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case of McDonald v. Chicago. His position was simple: the Second Amendment limits state and local governments to the same extent that it limits the federal government. Ultimately, in a 5 to 4 decision, the court ruled in favor of the Second Amendment.

Hunting, fishing, recreational firearm use and personal protection are fundamental issues important to Alaskans and our nation, a fact Senator Begich will always keep foremost in mind as he considers legislation and policy involving the right to bear arms.