[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 44 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. VITTER (for himself, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Santorum, 
        Mr. Coburn, Mrs. Dole, and Mr. Sununu):
  S. 2599. A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit the confiscation of firearms 
during certain national emergencies; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill, the 
``Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006'' that would amend 
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to 
prohibit the confiscation of firearms during certain national 
emergencies.
  The city of New Orleans confiscated more than 1,000 firearms under 
the misguided policy of a local law enforcement officer. Our Second 
Amendment rights should not be subject to the whims of individuals. My 
bill would prohibit any agency using Federal disaster relief funds from 
seizing firearms or restricting firearm possession, except under 
circumstances currently applicable under Federal or State law.
  Our law enforcement officers are under intense pressure to protect 
and serve, and I value their call to duty with great respect. The 
``Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006'' would not prevent 
law enforcement from confiscating guns from convicted felons or other 
prohibited persons. Also, it would have no effect on law enforcement 
outside of disaster relief situations.
  The horrible tragedy that unfolded upon the State of Louisiana was 
certainly unprecedented. The devastation that occurred will last for 
generations, and yet, there is immense hope that our great State of 
Louisiana will shine better than ever before. In the days and nights 
that followed there were mistakes at all levels of government, and the 
confiscation of law-abiding citizens' personal protection was one of 
them.
  I ask my fellow Senators to support this legislation in the hope that 
in the unfortunate likelihood of another disaster our citizens will be 
able to protect themselves without fear of government intruding upon 
our second amendment rights.
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