Republican leaders, including Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, have criticized Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for attempting to issue a national health emergency to address gun violence. In response, Braun and fourteen other GOP leaders introduced a bill called the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023 to prevent the White House from declaring gun violence a national health emergency. The bill aims to prevent the enactment of gun control measures through public health emergencies.

The controversy began when Governor Lujan Grisham tried to impose a 30-day prohibition on carrying guns in public areas or on state-owned properties in Albuquerque. She declared gun violence a public health crisis and argued that immediate action was necessary. However, this move faced heavy criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argued that public health emergencies should not be used as a means to infringe on Second Amendment rights.

Senator Braun expressed concern over the expansion of executive power during the COVID-19 pandemic and cited Governor Lujan Grisham's use of a public health emergency to suspend the Second Amendment in her state as evidence for the need to address the issue. He emphasized the importance of enshrining the right to self-defense in law and preventing the removal of this right through executive action.

The Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023 is likely to gain traction in the GOP-led House. Additionally, U.S. Representative Michael Cloud introduced a similar bill in response to Governor Lujan Grisham's attempt to ban guns in New Mexico. Representatives Pete Sessions of Texas and Mary Miller of Illinois cosponsored Cloud's bill and joined the chorus of criticism against the governor's actions.

Governor Lujan Grisham's 30-day gun ban was initially blocked by a judge, prompting her to amend the rule to restrict guns at public parks or playgrounds, where there is a perceived high risk to children and families. The governor expressed her refusal to accept the status quo and highlighted the pain experienced by families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. She vowed to continue fighting to prevent further tragedies.

The issue of gun violence as a public health crisis has gained attention at the national level. In May, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra labeled gun violence a public health crisis following a mass shooting in Atlanta. Prior to this, California officials had written a letter urging Becerra to formally recognize gun violence as a public health emergency.

This is not the first time Senator Braun has introduced this bill. He previously introduced it in 2021 and as an amendment in July of this year. The bill has garnered support from several Republican senators, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Jim Risch of Idaho, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Steve Daines of Montana, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Rick Scott of Florida, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, and Josh Hawley of Missouri.

The introduction of these bills comes in response to Governor Lujan Grisham's declaration of gun violence as a public health crisis in New Mexico. Representative Michael Cloud's bill, in particular, seeks to prevent the president and the Department of Health and Human Services from using public health emergencies to enforce gun control measures. The bill also aims to stop government officials from restricting the production, sale, or transfer of firearms and ammunition during major disasters or emergencies. Cloud criticized the willingness of radical left politicians to use executive authority and infringe on Second Amendment rights. He argued that it is Congress' duty to prevent such infringements and to push back against the expansion of government power.

In addition to legislative action, a GOP resolution condemning Governor Lujan Grisham's emergency order was introduced in the House. Republicans, some Democrats, and Second Amendment advocates have voiced their opposition to the governor's actions, claiming that they infringe on Americans' constitutional rights. The Gun Owners of America organization expressed concern that similar abuses of emergency powers could occur on a national level and called for urgent action to prevent President Biden and his administration from attempting to implement sweeping gun control regulations.

Representative Mary Miller of Illinois also supports Cloud's bill and criticized Governor Lujan Grisham's move to ban open firearms.