Indiana’s delegates react to Obama initiative
BY Teresa Auch Schultz tauch@post-trib.com January 16, 2013 10:12PM
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Updated: February 19, 2013 2:27PM
Indiana’s congressional members gave cautious reactions to President Barack Obama’s gun control initiative
U.S. Sen. Dan Coats said in a statement that although the country needed to see how it can prevent another mass shooting, officials also need to protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
“As we learn more about the president’s proposals, we must protect Second Amendment rights and ensure the federal government does not punish responsible gun owners,” Coats said. “I will not support legislation or executive actions that would affect gun ownership rights for law-abiding citizens, including any assault weapons ban.”
U.S. Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Merrillville, said in a release his office is still studying the proposal.
“... It is important to recognize that these proposals are still a long way from their legislative form,” Visclosky said.
He did point to his record on gun control, including a vote in 1994 to restrict the sales of assault weapons, a law that expired in 2004, and another vote in 1994 requiring background checks on firearm purchases.
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly could not be reached for comment.
