WASHINGTON- Congressman Todd Akin, (R-MO) has cosponsored legislation the Second Amendment Sovereignty Act of 2012. The bill, H.R. 5846, introduced by Representative Benjamin Quayle (R-AZ), protects the rights of American gun owners from being undermined by a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.

In October 2009 at the U.N. General Assembly, the Obama Administration reversed the previous Administrations position and voted for the United States to participate in negotiating the Arms Trade Treaty, purportedly to establish common international standards for the import, export, and transfer of conventional arms, including tanks, helicopters, and missiles. However, with regular calls to include civilian arms and ammunition within its scope, the Arms Trade Treaty could restrict the lawful ownership of firearms that Americans use to hunt, target shoot, and defend themselves. The Treaty is expected to be finalized in July 2012.

According to the Constitution, the Senate will have to approve any such treaty if the President decides to sign it. The Second Amendment Sovereignty Act would prohibit the Obama Administration from using any federal funds for the voice, vote, and influence of the U.S. during Arms Trade Treaty negotiations to restrict in any way the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens, including regulation of civilian firearms and ammunition.

I firmly believe that the Second Amendment is fundamental to American liberty, and any encroachment on this right is a direct assault on the freedom of American citizens, said Akin. I will oppose any treaty which would infringe on Americans Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

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