Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) today issued the following statement after the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in McDonald v. City of Chicago with a 5-4 decision that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision should be applauded for strictly adhering to the words of the Constitution by securing the Second Amendment right to bear arms,” said McKeon.

“The Constitution guarantees American citizens the basic individual right to protect themselves, their families, and their property, and this should be guarded at every turn.  We’ve witnessed attempts to slowly deteriorate and water down this constitutional right, so it’s important that we are vigilant about who sits on the bench, especially as Elena Kagan begins her confirmation hearings as the President’s nominee for the Supreme Court.”