House committee defeats DC concealed gun amendment

WASHINGTON — A House committee has struck down a proposed amendment that would have allowed visitors from other states to carry concealed weapons in the District of Columbia.

The amendment failed Thursday by a 24-3 vote in the House Judiciary Committee.

Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, introduced the amendment, saying that people shouldn't have to forfeit their Constitutional right to bear arms by being in the nation's capital.

Concealed handguns are banned in the district, which has strict gun control laws. The amendment would have made an exception for people with concealed carry permits from other states. District leaders fiercely opposed the amendment, calling it a violation of home rule that would make the city less safe.

Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, says it would have been "arrogant" for Congress to adopt the amendment.