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Senate OKs Passenger Guns on Amtrak

Refusal to allow firearms would cost system fed funds under bill

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2009 4:38 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Amtrak passengers would be allowed to carry unloaded guns in locked containers in their checked baggage under a measure passed by the Senate yesterday, reports the New York Times. The rail corporation banned guns from checked baggage after the 9/11 attacks. The measure won the backing of all Senate Republicans and 27 Democrats, despite Amtrak's objection that it doesn't have the same ability to screen for firearms that airlines do.

"Americans should not have their Second Amendment rights restricted for any reason, particularly if they choose to travel on America’s federally subsidized rail line,” said the provision's sponsor, Mississippi Republican Roger Wicker. The measure, an amendment to a transportation bill, would cut off Amtrak's $1.6 billion in federal funds if it fails to comply.

Conductor Clarence Armstrong signals for the doors to close on a Washington-bound Amtrak train leaving Penn Station in Baltimore.
Conductor Clarence Armstrong signals for the doors to close on a Washington-bound Amtrak train leaving Penn Station in Baltimore.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)
Amtrak police officers show off equipment they will carry as part of security sweeps at Union Station in Washington.
Amtrak police officers show off equipment they will carry as part of security sweeps at Union Station in Washington.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The Capitol Limited Amtrak train arrives in Washington from Chicago.
The Capitol Limited Amtrak train arrives in Washington from Chicago.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
schmidtkoff
Sep 17, 2009 7:25 AM CDT
@silence - not canadians, the drug cartels out of mexico.
SalParadise
Sep 17, 2009 6:43 AM CDT
The only things being attacked by Indians in the US these days are the domestic call centers.
SilenceDogood
Sep 17, 2009 6:33 AM CDT
Not Indians, Canadians.

 
Senate • train • Amtrak • Second Amendment • guns • gun rights

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