September 17, 2024

NSSF PROFILE Q&A: U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.)

Editor’s Note: We are pleased to post the latest of our occasional Q&A features with an elected official who supports hunting and the shooting sports. NSSF thanks U.S. Rep. James “Jamie” Comer (R-Ky.) for speaking with us about his staunch support for the Second Amendment and the importance of the firearm and ammunition industry. Rep. Comer represents the First District in Kentucky and is serving in his fourth term in Congress. Rep. Comer serves on the powerful House Oversight and Accountability Committee, where he serves as Chairman. In addition, Chairman Comer also serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee. He is also a member of the Second Amendment Caucus. We thank Chairman Comer for speaking with us.

1) Who introduced you to hunting and shooting sports, and why are hunting and the shooting sports important to you in your job representing your Congressional district?

My brother, who is one year younger than me. He is the most obsessed hunter this planet has ever seen. He basically lives off the land. He probably has more guns than most members of sporting clubs. Personally, I probably took up the sport more towards high school. Sometimes when I’m in Monroe County, we go to people’s hunting cabins, and we will shoot at clay pigeons. When I have free time, I still love to get out there.

2) What was your most recent shooting sports/hunting experience?

I love rabbit hunting. I have a lot of hunting land in South Central Kentucky and still lease out rights to the land for hunting. Unfortunately, I haven’t been hunting in a few years because of my duties as a member of Congress, but I used to always go deer hunting when the weather got colder. I consider hunting my winter sport when I must put the golf clubs away.

U.S. Rep. James Comer hunting with youth

3) Describe your favorite shooting sports or hunting activity.

Top two are rabbit and deer hunting.

4) Which piece of pending legislation in Congress related to the conservation, hunting and the firearm industry is particularly important to you and why?

I was proud to cosponsor U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s (R-N.Y.) bill this Congress, H.R. 7450, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. The Biden-Harris Administration proved they couldn’t be trusted when they collected financial information on law-abiding citizens who legally purchased a firearm. This was unacceptable and this bill would ensure that your privacy is protected when making purchases, especially when exercising your Second Amendment rights. Now is the time to stand up for constitutionally protected rights and against an unchecked federal government that aims to override your liberties.

5) What do you see as the challenges and opportunities in Congress for hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts?

The biggest challenge right now for Congress lies directly ahead. If Democrats flip the House and take control, their agenda will target law-abiding gun owners on day one. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, which I am the Chair of now, have already determined their high priority areas: big oil executives and firearm manufacturers. Alongside the mainstream media, the Democratic Party will only continue to spread disinformation and target the Second Amendment. We should be expanding opportunities for gun ownership and working to protect constitutional rights. There is also an opportunity right now to further educate Americans about the importance of the Second Amendment. As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, I remain committed to protecting your constitutional right to bear arms.

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