James McGovern

James P. McGovern has been a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 3rd District of Massachusetts, since January 1997.

Support For Gun Control

 * Cosponsored H.R. 1312 Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2005 (4/28/2005)
 * Cosponsored H.R. 1022 Assault Weapons Ban Reauthorization Act of 2007 (3/13/2007)

A WELL-REGULATED MILITIA, BEING NECESSARY TO THE SECURITY OF A FREE STATE, THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED. -2nd Amendment to the united States Constitution

What is the militia? According to the U.S. Code: Title 10, Subtitle A, Part I, Chapter 13, Sec. 311. Militia: composition and classes (a)The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.

(b) The classes of the militia are – the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.

Who are “the people” of the 2nd Amendment?

“The people” means individuals. The Bill of Rights recognized three entities which are to be governed and united under the Constitution.

First, there is the United States which refers to the federal government.

Second, there is the states which refers initially to the first thirteen and now to the fifty state governments.

Finally, there is the people which refers to individual citizens, not the federal or state governments.

It is “the right of the people to peaceably assemble.” It is “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.” It is “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects.” And other unmentioned rights are to be “retained by the people.”

What does infringed mean? To encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another person.

Oath of office: As required by Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution, Members of Congress shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support the Constitution. Representatives, delegates, and the resident commissioner all take the oath of office on the first day of the new Congress, immediately after the House has elected its Speaker. The Speaker of the House administers the oath of office as follows:

"I, (name of Member), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

Abortion
McGovern is a pro-choice representive. He is endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice America. Throughout his congressional career, he has strongly supported the interests of Planned Parenthood. 

Environmental issues
McGovern strongly supports conservation efforts and is endorsed by the Sierra Club. .

Gun issues
McGovern has promoted the interests of several gun violence prevention groups. He recieved a grade of "F" from the National Rifle Association. .

Foreign policy
McGovern recieved a grade of "A" from Citizens for Global Solutions and supports the group Peace Action. .

Iraq War
McGovern voted against the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

On the floor of the House of Representatives, McGovern gave his view on the war in Iraq and President Bush's plan for troop escalation in Iraq. He stated "Mr. Speaker, I oppose the escalation of U.S. forces in Iraq and I strongly oppose this war. We had no basis or justification or right to invade Iraq. It was a mistake." .

Bio
McGovern was born November 20, 1959 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was educated at American University in Washington, D. C., and was a staff member for Senator George McGovern of South Dakota (to whom he is not related) and for Representative Joe Moakley before entering the House.

Congressional career
McGovern is a member of the House Progressive Caucus, and is the author of a resolution to end funding for the Iraq War.

2006 elections
No major candidates announced their intentions to contest McGovern’s seat in the November 2006 election. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)

Money in politics
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Committees and Affiliations

 * Host Committee 2005, Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award

Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Rules
 * House Committee on Budget

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Rules
 * Subcommittee on Rules and Organization of the House - Ranking Minority Member

Resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Articles

 * US Representative Jim McGovern to Introduce Bill Ending Funding for Iraq War
 * The Legacy of Four Women by George McGovern & Jim McGovern
 * McGovern blasts School of Americas; Holy Cross holds forum on Army training program
 * An interview with Rep. Jim McGovern

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Mass Revolution Now
 * St. Kermit

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