[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 104 (Thursday, July 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING CONCERNS REGARDING THE NEGOTIATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS 
                           ARMS TRADE TREATY

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                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2012

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my significant 
concerns over the negotiations with the United Nations regarding the 
United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). As it stands currently, the 
actions of the United Nations indicate that this treaty will pose 
serious threats to the personal freedoms, national security, foreign 
policy, and economic interests of the United States. Yet, the 
Administration has voted to participate in negotiations, despite this 
impact.
  Our Second Amendment rights are fundamental individual rights that 
must be protected. However, the United Nations Arms Treaty poses a 
potential threat to this right held by every United States citizens. 
This treaty cannot be allowed to jeopardize our ability to own small 
arms, rifles or ammunition. Furthermore, the ATT must recognize and 
respect one's right of self defense and our nation's legacy of hunting 
and participation in shooting sports.
  This treaty also has the potential to threaten our national security 
and foreign policy. Democracies and totalitarian regimes should not be 
given the same arms transfer rights, nor can we legitimize the arming 
of terrorists or countries that do not recognize the International 
Criminal Court. Importantly, the ability of the United States to 
provide arms to trusted allies, such as Israel, should not be 
infringed.
  Finally, the United Nations Arms Treaty should not do anything that 
would hurt our economic interests here at home and abroad. American 
businesses should not be burdened by increased regulatory and reporting 
requirements that could damage domestic manufacturing, particularly in 
our already difficult economic times. We cannot allow the ATT to 
jeopardize American jobs or American industry.
  Unfortunately, I am concerned that this treaty will impact all of 
these interests, and potentially more. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I 
strongly support and urge the Administration to consider and uphold the 
sentiment displayed in the bi-partisan letter that my colleague Mike 
Kelly and 130 co-signers sent to President Obama and Secretary Clinton.

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