Bill would lower minimum age to buy a handgun

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a bill to lower the minimum age to buy a handgun.
Rep. Thomas Massie introduced a bill to lower the minimum age to buy a handgun.

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky introduced a bill that would lower the minimum age to buy a handgun from 21 to 18. H.R.5716, would change federal law allowing a person who is 18 years old to obtain a handgun from a Federal firearms licensee.

“Today, I introduced my bill to reinstate Second Amendment rights for 18, 19, and 20-year-old Americans,” said Massie on his Facebook page.

The legal age to purchase handguns was 18 until 1968 when democratic president Lyndon Johnson signed the 191-page Omnibus Crime Bill that raised the age to 21.

Massie previously has said: “Why should a 20-year-old single mom be denied the right to defend herself and her children?”

In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in women buying guns and getting firearms training. Many gun companies have taken notice making products specifically for women.

“18, 19, and 20-year-olds are considered adults and are able to vote on important public policy issues. They can also form business contracts, get married, and serve in the military. As adults, these Americans should not be deprived of basic constitutional rights.” said Massie.

According to 2016 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 13 million Americans between the ages of 18 to 20.

With many democrats trying to undermine the Second Amendment by passing Red Flag Laws or other bills attacking our rights, it’s good to see someone working to expand our Constitutional freedoms.