[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PIKES PEAK FIREARMS COALITION OF 
                                COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 8, 2023

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th 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 Peaks Firearms Coalition and 
incorporated as a Colorado non-profit. Since then, they have advocated 
for firearm rights before the Colorado Springs City Council, the El 
Paso County Board of Commissioners, and the Colorado General Assembly. 
The effect of their advocacy is far-reaching. They sponsor 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 benefited from the 
Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition of Colorado's educational and practical 
approach.
  At their core, Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition members believe that the 
Second Amendment protects an individual's right to keep and bear arms 
in defense of their home, person, and property and to protect against a 
tyrannical government. Ultimately, they believe the firearms issue to 
be entered entwined with civil rights, and object to all anti-gun 
proposals which limit the ability of the elderly, the poor, the 
handicapped, or other legally armed citizens 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 30 years of 
advocacy to a group that upholds and protects the Second Amendment so 
well.

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