A conflict between principle and partisan politics has led Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) to publicly criticize GOP leadership for what he describes as holding the Second Amendment rights of Americans “hostage.”
Clyde’s accusation stemmed from an alleged threat by unnamed House Republicans. They, reportedly, have intimated that his bill – centered on the issue of Joe Biden’s unconstitutional outlawing of certain pistol braces – might not reach the floor if he continued to vote “no” on legislation designed to raise the debt ceiling.
Politics is one thing and blackmail is another.
Look at this news article from The Daily Caller: EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Clyde Slams House Leadership For Threatening To Pull His Second Amendment Bill Over Debt Ceiling Vote https://t.co/Tr4Pz0M7zn— Bill Sprague (@BillSprague43) June 3, 2023
Clyde’s concern about the new gun policy is shared by many conservatives and gun owners who see Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recent ruling as a gross overreach. The ruling redefines pistols with braces as short-barrel rifles, thereby necessitating federal registration, with noncompliance constituting a federal felony. This move, according to Clyde, seeks to curtail the rights of millions of lawful gun owners unlawfully, including disabled Americans and veterans.
He told the Daily Caller, “I came to Washington to defend our constitutional liberties, including our right to keep and bear arms — not cower to the Swamp when the going gets tough.” Meanwhile, Clyde’s stance on the debt ceiling has been unwavering; he twice voted against bipartisan legislation to raise the borrowing limit.
His resolve has received support from influential voices in the gun rights community. Aidan Johnston, the Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America, called out the alleged politicking within GOP leadership, saying, “It is unconscionable to treat our God-given rights as a bargaining chip to be leveraged in a smoke-filled back-room deal.”
As the situation continues to evolve, a federal judge in Texas on Wednesday temporarily halted the Biden administration’s new rule. The caveat, though, is that this ruling applies solely to employees of the state of Texas and Gun Owners of America members.
As the situation unfolds, it offers a timely reminder that the political arena isn’t merely about power or party lines. At its best, it’s about protecting and advocating for the rights of the American people, no matter the opposition, even if it comes from within their own ranks.
