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Ken Salazar on Gun Control
Democratic Jr Senator (CO)
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Protect the individual right to use firearms
My philosophy and views regarding guns is based in large part on my upbringing, as well as on the law. I believe that the individual right to use firearms for protection, hunting, and recreation should be protected.
I learned to use and respect firearms growing up on a ranch in the San Luis Valley, 5 miles from the nearest town, and often slept alone with a .22 rifle next to my bed for protection.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, SalazarForColorado.com
, Aug 11, 2004
Restrict felon possession, and ban assault weapons
I believe we must have stronger enforcement of our existing gun laws, and I supported closing the gun show loophole.
I support longstanding restriction on the possession of firearms by felons, instant background checks, a ban on specific automatic weapons and assault weapons to protect the health and safety of the public and importantly law enforcement officials.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, SalazarForColorado.com
, Aug 11, 2004
More background checks for gun purchases
On Ken Salazar’s legislative agenda and priorities for consideration by the 2000 General Assembly:- Revise restrictions on information sharing between law enforcement and education officials.
- Require background checks for all gun purchases at
gun shows.
- Include juvenile records in background checks for gun purchases.
- Ban straw-man gun purchases of firearms
- Increase the state age limit from 18 to 21 for handgun purchases at gun shows.
- Require safe storage of firearms at home.
Source: Attorney General’s News Release, “Legislative Priorities”
, Jan 7, 2000
Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership.
Amendment SA 2774 to H.R. 2764, the Department of State's International Aid bill: To prohibit the use of funds by international organizations, agencies, and entities (including the United Nations) that require the registration of, or taxes guns owned by citizens of the United States. Proponents support voting YES because:
Sen. VITTER: This is a straight funding limitation amendment. Many folks who haven't followed the proceedings on this in the U.N. may ask: What is this all about? Unfortunately, it is about an effort in the United Nations to bring gun control to various countries through that international organization. Unfortunately, that has been an ongoing effort which poses a real threat, back to 1995. In 2001, the UN General Assembly adopted a program of action designed to infringe on second amendment rights.
The Vitter amendment simply says we are not going to support any international organization that requires a registration of US citizens' guns or taxes US citizens' guns. If other folks in this Chamber think that is not happening, that it is never going to happen, my reply is simple and straightforward: Great, then this language has no effect. It is no harm to pass it as a failsafe. It has no impact. But, in fact, related efforts have been going on in the U.N. since at least 1995. I hope this can get very wide, bipartisan support, and I urge all my colleagues to support this very fundamental, straightforward amendment.
No opponents spoke against the bill.
Reference: Vitter Amendment to State Dept. Appropriations Bill;
Bill S.Amdt. 2774 to H.R. 2764
; vote number 2007-321
on Sep 6, 2007
Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. Voting YES would: - Exempt lawsuits brought against individuals who knowingly transfer a firearm that will be used to commit a violent or drug-trafficking crime
- Exempt lawsuits against actions that result in death, physical injury or property damage due solely to a product defect
- Call for the dismissal of all qualified civil liability actions pending on the date of enactment by the court in which the action was brought
- Prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition, and sets a minimum prison term of 15 years for violations
- Require all licensed importers, manufacturers and dealers who engage in the transfer of handguns to provide secure gun storage or safety devices
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act;
Bill S 397
; vote number 2005-219
on Jul 29, 2005
Page last updated: Aug 31, 2021