IV 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 578 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 8, 2012 Mr. Rehberg submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Right to Keep and Bear Arms Week.

Whereas the right to self defense is a natural right which is not granted by the laws of the government but is rather universal and inalienable for all people; Whereas the right to keep and bear arms is a necessary component of self defense, for protection from threats both natural and man-made; Whereas the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution reads A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed; Whereas the Constitution also conditions the legitimacy of government authority upon the consent of the governed, and the respect for and protection of natural rights; Whereas all levels of government, city, county, State, and Federal, and all branches of government, legislative, judicial and executive, are required by the Bill of Rights to respect the natural rights protected in the Second Amendment; Whereas any government official who would undermine that right, or stand idly by while others undermine it, is betraying the public trust; Whereas 44 States have included the right to keep and bear arms as part of their State constitutions; Whereas the week beginning with the first Monday in March is dedicated as an official week of observance in the State of Montana to commemorate Montana’s valued heritage of the right of each person to keep and bear arms in the defense of his home, person or property or in aid of civil power; and Whereas it is critical that all people in the United States understand the importance of the Second Amendment and have the opportunity to celebrate their undeniable right to keep and bear arms: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Right to Keep and Bear Arms Week; (2)encourages the designation of a National Right to Keep and Bear Arms Week; and (3)encourages the people of the United States to observe and celebrate National Right to Keep and Bear Arms Week by attending rallies in support of the Second Amendment, participating in shooting events, purchasing firearms and ammunition, conducting or attending training about safe firearm use, contacting elected officials to encourage respect for the Second Amendment, and all other lawful ways.