Monthly Archives: July 2014

News Release: Mendelson Statement on Recent Gun Control Ruling

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DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has released the following statement regarding Judge Frederick Scullin’s ruling that the local ban against public carrying of handguns is unconstitutional:

“Because of the District’s unique national security concerns, the right to carry a firearm in public must be restricted more heavily than any place else in the nation.  Four U.S. presidents have been assassinated by gunfire, and at least five others have been shot at, including Ronald Regan who was seriously wounded in 1981.  Neither the Secret Service nor the Capitol Police will disclose all incidents where they have recovered firearms, but we do know that just two years ago someone hit the White House with gunfire, and there are frequent threats on the foreign diplomatic corps.”

 

Massie’s Gun Control Amendment Harms District

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“Congressman Massie should not be amending the District’s gun control laws without knowing what he is doing,” said DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson after today’s vote to block enforcement of four gun laws dating back to 2008.  “While it is clear that Mr. Massie wants to eliminate gun control in the Nation’s Capital, his amendment is poorly drafted and hurts everybody – from Second Amendment advocates to law Continue Reading

Statement on Mayor’s Veto of the Budget

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Understandably, I am disappointed that the Mayor has chosen to veto the Budget Support Act and two sections of the Budget Request Act, relying on legal arguments that would eviscerate Council authority over the budget.   Although he has tried to spin this action in the best light, a careful reading of his letter reveals two issues: (1) restoration of streetcar funding over tax cuts; and (2) objection to limitations on the Mayor’s unilateral ability to spend.

The streetcar program is already well-funded.  The Council’s budget has $587 million dedicated for streetcars, although the Council did adjust out-year funding to more sustainable levels.  The $587 million is far more than the government has been able to spend to date.

The tax cuts are broad, and will be eliminated by the veto.  When fully implemented, the average resident will pay hundreds of dollars less in Continue Reading

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