Thank you for contacting me about gun control. It's good to hear from you, as always. 

The recent shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, is a terrible tragedy. I support measures to protect our schools and keep violent criminals off the streets. 

I support the fundamental right to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to our Constitution. Every year, thousands of lawful gun owners across America depend on this right to defend themselves from violent criminals. As a combat veteran, my soldiers and I kept our rifles within arms’ reach because of a fundamental truth: at critical moments, your life can depend on being armed and ready to defend yourself.

Some of the gun-related proposals introduced in Congress may be well-intentioned, but would infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens and turn responsible gun owners into felons.  Our policy priorities should focus on enforcing existing laws, improving security at schools and other gathering places, ensuring access to appropriate mental-health services for mentally ill individuals, and keeping violent criminals off the streets.

Rest assured that I will continue to oppose efforts to infringe on the rights of law-abiding Americans, while also working with members of both parties to find ways to make our communities safer.

I’m honored to serve as your senator. You, your family, and our state will remain on my mind and close to my heart in my duties. Always feel free to call my office at (202) 224-2353, or visit  www.cotton.senate.gov  for further information.

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton
United States Senator