Johanns Defends 2nd Amendment, Cosponsors Grassley Amendment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.)spoke on the Senate floor about Sen. Reid’s (D-Nev.) gun control legislation, the Second Amendment and his cosponsorship of the Grassley amendment. A description of amendments Johanns supported, in addition to the Grassley substitute, is also below.
Video of Johanns’ full remarks is available HERE.
Below are excerpts from Johanns’ remarks.
• “At the end of the day, this legislation is so incredibly flawed that no amount of tweaks or changes can ever possibly improve it. That's why I am a cosponsor of the Senator from Iowa’s alternative: A complete substitute which seeks to address the root causes of gun violence. And correctly balances the need to secure our second-amendment rights.”

• “I find it so incredibly ironic that its proponents think these weapons are a problem in the hands of law-abiding citizens, but apparently see no problem with the same weapons being glorified in Hollywood movies and video games.”
• “We owe it to the victims of gun violence to pass legislation that will actually address the causes of these tragedies. Otherwise, they won't stop. And as Senators who took an oath to uphold the Constitution, we owe it to all Americans to protect this fundamental right, this right contained in the Bill of Rights that is so vital to the very freedom we enjoy. “
A full, unofficial, transcript is also available HERE.
In addition to the Grassley substitute, which failed 52-48, Johanns also supported amendments to:
• Allow for concealed-carry reciprocity among all states that allow concealed-carry (failed 57-43);
• Protect the Second Amendment rights of veterans receiving assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (failed 56-44);
All amendments required 60 votes to pass.
The underlying Reid legislation did not receive a vote today and is still being considered by the Senate.

Note: Votes updated April 18, 2013.