[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 196 (Wednesday, December 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1650-E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PIKES PEAK FIREARMS COALITION OF 
                                COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2018

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary 
of the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition of Colorado, a leading voice for 
firearms rights in my congressional district. The organization's 
purpose is to advocate, support, and protect the right to keep and bear 
arms as enumerated in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and 
Article II, Section 13 of the Colorado Constitution and to promote the 
safe, responsible, and lawful use of firearms. Initially formed in 1992 
as the Colorado Springs Chapter of the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, 
in 1993, the group formed their own local organization as the Pikes 
Peak Firearms Coalition and incorporated as a Colorado non-profit.
   Since then, they have advocated for firearm rights before the 
Colorado Spring City Council, the El Paso County Board of 
Commissioners, and the Colorado General Assembly. The effect of their 
advocacy is far reaching: They have sponsored groups that teach young 
people the safe handling and storage of firearms. Additionally, they 
provide financial support to local gun ranges including the Cheyenne 
Mountain Shooting Complex at Fort Carson and previously assisted in 
cleanup efforts for the U.S. Forest Service Rampart Range shooting area 
while it was in operation.
   In their monthly meetings, they promote the safe and lawful use of 
firearms. They invite speakers to present programs on various firearm 
issues, equipment, training, and techniques. Hundreds of people have 
benefitted from the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition of Colorado's 
educational and practical approach.
   At their core, Pikes Peak Firearm Coalition members believe that the 
Second Amendment protects an individual's right to keep and bear

[[Page E1651]]

arms in defense of their home, person, and property and to protect 
against a tyrannical government. Ultimately, they believe the firearms 
issue to be entwined with civil rights, and object to all anti-gun 
proposals that limit the elderly, the poor, the handicapped, or other 
legally armed citizens the ability to defend themselves. Finally, they 
firmly believe that to control crime, we must focus on the perpetrator 
rather than his instrument. The irresponsible banning of a weapon based 
solely on emotion only serves to empower criminals, as law-abiding 
citizens, by definition, do not break the law.
   I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on 25 years to a 
group that upholds and protects the Second Amendment so well.

                          ____________________