WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today said he has offered an amendment to the fiscal year 2010 budget resolution that would help ensure law-abiding gun owners are able to securely transport firearms on Amtrak trains.  Amtrak currently allows three pieces of checked luggage, but unlike the airline industry, prohibits secure transport of firearms in checked bags.
 
“Gun owners should not be penalized for seeking alternative means of travel,” Sen. Wicker said.  “Under current Amtrak policy, a lawful citizen who wants to take the train for a hunting trip could not because they are prohibited from storing a gun in any checked luggage.  Our nation’s airlines allow gun owners to check guns in their luggage.  Our federally-subsidized rail line should be no different.”

“Gun Owners of America strongly supports Sen. Roger Wicker’s amendment to the Budget, an amendment that will protect the rights of travelers who use Amtrak,” said John Velleco, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America.  “Americans should not be denied their Second Amendment rights when they travel by train.  Furthermore, a transportation entity that receives federal funds should not be allowed to prevent Americans from hunting or defending themselves when they travel on vacation or personal business.”

If Sen. Wicker’s amendment is adopted, it would prohibit Amtrak from accessing some transportation funds included in the budget unless the company changes its gun transportation ban.