| U.S. House Passes Katrina Bill |
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| Written by Daniel White | |
| Wednesday, 26 July 2006 | |
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Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.5013 by a 322-99 margin. This bill would prevent law enforcement agencies from onfiscating firearms during a time of national emergency. Earlier this month, the Senate passed a similar provision in a homeland security funding bill, and numerous states (including Ohio) are either considering or have passed similar legislation. The issue fo firearms confiscations during emergencies leapt to national attention following the actions of officials in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina last year. The new limitation would apply to federal law enforcement or military officers, along with local police that receive federal funds. Representative Bobby Jindal(R-Louisiana), sponsor of the bill, said firearms seizures after Hurricane Katrina left residents unable to defend themselves. "Many of them were sitting in their homes without power, without water, without communication," he said. "It was literally impossible to pick up a phone and call 911." The bill does allow the Coast Guard to require that people surrender their firearms before boarding a rescue vehicle. Click here for more information. |