NY Congressman proposes federal legislation to repeal NY Safe Act

Congressman Chris Collins announced a newly-sponsored bill that could essentially repeal the New York Safe Act on a federal level. The Safe Act is one of the strictest gun control measures in the nation and many people have voiced their wish to have it repealed.

The proposed law is called SAGA or Second Amendment Guarantee Act. Congressman Collins says it would limit the authority of New York State to regulate the use and ownership of guns.

Monday’s announcements took place in Rochester at the Noon hour and in Hamburg later in the afternoon.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded to Collins’ proposal on Monday. Here is his statement:

“In 2013, following the Sandy Hook tragedy, New York State rose to the occasion and passed the toughest gun safety laws in the nation. Democrats and Republicans came together to ban assault weapons from coming into the state, ban high capacity magazines and keep guns out of the hands of the dangerously mentally ill, while safeguarding the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners.

“Now, in a blatant political ploy, Chris Collins is turning his back on New Yorkers and putting millions of people at profound risk. By fighting to roll back vital legislation that protects the people of the Empire State, Collins is demonstrating once again that he is beholden to no one but the gun lobby and entrenched special interests.

“This disturbing bill puts New Yorkers in harm’s way – and to make it worse, there is no basis for it. None. The courts have resoundingly upheld New York’s law as consistent with the Constitution. We understand that Washington is in turmoil right now – we just ask that they don’t do anything to set back the progress we’ve been able to make despite them.”