1998 Ron Paul 14:1
Mr. PAUL.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to opposition
to H.R. 424 for the following reason. Crime
control and crime-related sentencing, the stated
reason for enacting gun control legislation
in the first place, was never intended to be a
function of the federal government. Rather, it
is a responsibility belonging to the states.
1998 Ron Paul 14:2
This country’s founders recognized the genius
of dividing power amongst federal, state
and local governments as a means to maximize
individual liberty and make government
most responsive to those persons who might
most responsibly influence it. This division of
power strictly limited the role of the federal
government and, at the same time, anticipated
that law enforcement would almost exclusively
be the province and responsibility of state and
local governments.
1998 Ron Paul 14:3
Constitutionally, there are only three federal
crimes. These are treason against the United
States, piracy on the high seas, and counterfeiting. Despite the various pleas for the federal
government’s correction of all societal
wrongs, a national police force and mandatory
sentencing laws which violate the ninth and
tenth amendments to the U.S. are neither prudent
nor constitutional.
1998 Ron Paul 14:4
For this reason I oppose H.R. 424 and the
federal government’s attempt to usurp the police
power which properly rests with state governments.
Notes:
1998 Ron Paul Chapter 14
The text of this chapter was inserted into CongressionalRecord as an extension of remarks, and was not spoken on the House floor.
1998 Ron Paul 14:3 ninth and tenth amendments probably should have been capitalized: Ninth and Tenth Amendments Cf.: South and North Dakota.
to the U.S. probably should have been to the U.S. Constitution.
