An Assembly Resolution condemning the Obama administration for denying the importation of valuable and historic American firearms.

Whereas, The Obama administration recently denied South Korea approval to import approximately 86,000 U.S. M1 Garand rifles and 22,000 U.S. M1 carbines into the United States; and

Whereas, These firearms represent an important part of American history, having been carried by our troops in World War II and the Korean War; and

Whereas, The M1 Garand, especially, played a key role in the victory of U.S. forces in World War II, being hailed by General George S. Patton as "the greatest implement of battle ever devised;" and

Whereas, Both firearms are currently used and sold by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, an organization created by federal law with the purpose of instructing U.S. citizens in marksmanship and promoting practice and safety in the use of firearms; and

Whereas, Because of their history and design, these firearms continue to be valuable to U.S. citizens for hunting, target practice, and as historically significant collector's items; and

Whereas, The sale of these firearms in the United States would be closely scrutinized, because sellers must be licensed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and buyers must undergo a background check at the time of sale; and

Whereas, There is little risk of these firearms being used in crimes, as the length of the firearms prevent them from being readily concealable, and the M1 Garand particularly is heavy and bulky, with an archaic en bloc clip capable of holding eight rounds; and

Whereas, Additionally, both firearms are semi-automatic, and are therefore capable of firing only one round each time the trigger is depressed; and

Whereas, It is therefore fitting and proper, and in the public interest, for this House to condemn the Obama administration's decision to deny the citizens of the United States the opportunity to purchase these valuable and historic firearms; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House condemns the Obama administration for denying the importation of valuable and historic American firearms.

2. This House respectfully urges the U.S. Department of State to reconsider its decision and approve South Korea's plan to import the firearms.

3. Duly authenticated copies of this General Assembly resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to Ellen Tauscher, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security in the U.S.

Department of State.

STATEMENT

This Assembly resolution condemns the Obama administration's decision to deny the citizens of the United States the opportunity to purchase valuable and historic firearms.

The Obama administration recently denied South Korea the approval necessary to import approximately 86,000 U.S. M1 Garand rifles and 22,000 U.S. M1 carbines into the United States. These firearms represent an important part of American history, having been carried by our troops in World War II and the Korean War. Because of their history and design, these guns continue to be valuable to U.S. citizens for hunting, target practice, and as historically significant collector's items. Additionally, these weapons are not automatic and their sale would be subject to the federal "Gun Control Act of 1968."