Rep. Sam Graves
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and his home-state colleagues on July 21 introduced a measure that would establish defenses against crimes of violence across America.
“Every American should feel safe in their own home. We shouldn’t live in fear of mobs or intruders threatening our lives, our families or our property,” Rep. Graves said. “This bill ensures Americans have the right to defend themselves and their families. It is the law of the land in Missouri and it should be everywhere.”
Rep. Graves signed on as an original cosponsor of the American Family and Private Property Defense Act, H.R. 7716, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) to ensure federal law protects the rights of Americans to defend their families, homes and property, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Graves’ office. Missouri Republicans Billy Long and Blaine Luetkemeyer also are original cosponsors of H.R. 7716.
If enacted, H.R. 7716 would prevent U.S. citizens from being prosecuted for using force to protect themselves, another person or private property against intruders, according to the summary, which noted that Americans would be permitted to use force without first retreating from intruders.
“With radicals in Washington threatening to defund the police and rogue prosecutors threatening homeowners with prosecution, we’re left with fewer and fewer options to defend ourselves, our loved ones and our property,” said Rep. Graves. “This bill ensures every American’s fundamental right to be secure in their own home is protected by federal law.”
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.