John Thune on Gun Control
TL;DR
John Thune is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment who consistently opposes new federal gun control measures.
Key Points
He voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, which expanded background checks for 18-to-20-year-olds.
He introduced legislation in March 2021 to prohibit the use of federal funding for state or local gun registries, known as the GRIP Act.
He expressed support for the plain language of the Second Amendment guaranteeing the individual right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms, including robust due process protections.
Summary
John Thune maintains a firm stance opposing new federal gun control legislation, framing his position as a necessary defense of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for law-abiding citizens. He explicitly rejects measures like bans on popular firearms, such as the AR-15, and restrictions on high-capacity magazines, arguing that these items have legitimate uses, including sporting and varmint control. He has supported legislation aimed at expanding lawful gun access, such as measures promoting concealed carry reciprocity across state lines.
His opposition extends to executive actions and nominees he views as infringements on these rights; for instance, he vocally opposed a Biden administration nominee for the ATF due to perceived extreme gun control views. Furthermore, he has taken legislative action to protect gun owners' privacy by introducing a bill to prohibit federal funding for state or local gun registries. He also notably voted against the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, breaking with some colleagues, and has advocated against administrative guidance that would withhold school funding over hunter education programs.
Key Quotes
“I strongly support the Second Amendment, which protects 'the right of the people to keep and bear arms,'”
“I believe that the right of law-abiding citizens to own and bear a firearm is guaranteed by the Second Amendment. We must vigilantly protect that right and preserve it for future generations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
John Thune holds a strongly pro-gun rights position and actively opposes most new federal gun control legislation. He believes the plain language of the Second Amendment guarantees the individual right to own firearms for law-abiding citizens. He has a history of voting against measures like bans on certain firearms or high-capacity magazines.
Based on his long voting record, John Thune has generally maintained a consistent pro-Second Amendment stance since entering office. He has been noted for having a stronger pro-gun record than some of his Republican colleagues who have supported certain gun restrictions. His actions suggest a consistent resistance to measures expanding gun control.
John Thune voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, which was the first significant expansion of federal gun control laws in decades. He criticized the administration's follow-up actions concerning the bill, such as guidance targeting school programs, as an attack on constitutional rights.
Sources8
Where John Thune Stands on Gun Control and the Second Amendment
Thune: Biden's Anti-Gun ATF Nominee Threatens Second Amendment, Law-Abiding Gun Owners
Republicans Land on Senate Majority Leader With Pro-Gun Record
Bad Senator! Rubbing John Thune's Nose in his 2A Surrender
NRA-PVF Endorses John Thune for U.S. Senate
John Thune on Gun Control
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.