Bill filed to end Army Corps of Engineers’ ban on guns

Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House have rebooted a plan that would lift the current gun free zones on lands controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The measure, H.R. 1045, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act, would allow otherwise lawful permit holders to carry their guns in the 12 million acres and over 90,000 campsites the Corps administers.

U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio, the sponsor of the legislation, argues that in 2009 the National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System dropped their ban on possession of firearms on their property while the Corps resolutely continued with their prohibition.

“If an American has lawfully obtained a concealed-carry permit, he or she should be able to exercise their constitutional rights on federal recreation lands, regardless of the agency,” said Gibbs in a statement.