U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Representative Mike Ezell, both from Mississippi, announced on Apr. 2 that they have joined 77 lawmakers in signing an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court opposing a New York state law that allows lawsuits against gun manufacturers and sellers for criminal misuse of firearms.
The issue centers on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which Congress passed to shield gun industry members from liability when legally sold firearms are later used in crimes. The lawmakers argue that New York’s public nuisance law undermines these federal protections by permitting broad claims against firearm companies based on public safety concerns.
“Our brief is part of the ongoing work to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens from leftist states run by anti-gun activists. These states shouldn’t be allowed to erode the constitutional protections established by Congress by law,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, who authored the Gun-owner Registration Information Protection (GRIP) Act.
Congressman Ezell said, “Law-abiding Americans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and that right should not be undermined by backdoor attempts to target lawful manufacturers.” He added, “The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act ensures firearm manufacturers are not held liable for the criminal actions of others. Efforts to bypass that law threaten both the Second Amendment and the stability of an industry that supports American jobs and constitutional freedoms. I stand with my colleagues in urging the Supreme Court to uphold federal law and protect the rights of responsible gun owners.”
The amicus brief was led by Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Russell Fry in support of a petition filed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation seeking review before the Supreme Court.
Hyde-Smith has been recognized as Mississippi’s first woman elected to the U.S. Senate according to her official website. She serves on several key Senate committees such as Appropriations; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Energy and Natural Resources; as well as Rules and Administration according to her official website. Her career includes roles as commissioner of agriculture and commerce for Mississippi, chairmanships within state government including eight years leading its Agriculture Committee according to her official website.
According to her official site, Hyde-Smith upholds commitments supporting veterans’ benefits programs while also championing pro-life initiatives according to her official website. She maintains conservative principles while serving all residents across Mississippi according to her official website.
