Newberry applauds Coburn, Inhofe for defending Second Amendment rights

Sen. Dan Newberry this week applauded U.S. Sens. Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe for defending the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans, as controversial legislation expanding background checks and limiting ownership rights may soon be heard in the U.S. Senate.

Among other restrictions, the proposed legislation would establish new limits on magazine capacity, and expand background check requirements for gun ownership. Newberry said the dedicated opposition of Coburn and Inhofe contributed to the decision of Senate Democrats to shelve a proposed assault weapons ban.

“Senators Coburn and Inhofe should be credited for their efforts to protect our Second Amendment rights,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “A broad majority of Oklahomans will stand with them whenever they oppose universal background checks, assault weapons bans, and magazine limits. We are proud of our conservative roots and are honored to have their representation in Washington.”

Newberry noted the assault weapons ban has been dropped despite pressure from the Obama administration, which supports both the ban and universal background checks.

“I am tremendously grateful for the leadership of our Senators on Second Amendment issues,” Newberry said. “They understand these restrictions only make the process more cumbersome for law-abiding citizens and do nothing to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals. The United States Constitution protects the right of Oklahomans to own firearms for their self-defense and sporting, and we must be vigilant in our defense of that right.”