Steve Freese Discusses Gun Ownership Regulations in Wyoming
In a recent interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation, Wyoming Republican House candidate Steve Freese highlighted some lesser-known regulations impacting gun ownership and ranching.
Freese is part of a competitive Republican field trying to succeed Rep. Harriet Hageman, who is aiming for a U.S. Senate seat. As the son of the late conservative businessman Foster Freese, he talked about his support for federal legislation that fortifies the Second Amendment and combats restrictive gun laws.
One proposal he mentioned would “require pistol and rifle manufacturers to provide threads so that all firearms can be equipped with suppressors.” He stressed the importance of suppressors in reducing the noise of gunfire, benefiting the hearing of gun owners.
Recently, left-leaning lawmakers have been advocating for limitations on firearm accessories, commonly referred to as “silencers.” Democratic Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey revived a bill in early June aimed at establishing “buybacks” for suppressors.
In contrast, Freese opined that such views are misguided. “Liberals seem to think, probably influenced by spy movies, that suppressors make guns whisper quiet. But that’s really not accurate,” he argued. “Guns with suppressors still produce a significant noise level. It’s primarily about protecting our hearing.”
He further noted that suppressors are frequently used during hunting in Wyoming. “When you’re hunting moose with friends, having the right equipment, like suppressors, can prevent potential accidents where multiple people may get hurt if the herd gets startled,” he explained.
Freese humorously remarked, “James Bond isn’t real,” in agreement with the notion that cinematic portrayals have skewed perceptions of these devices.
Addressing the broader context of his campaign, he expressed that in rural Wyoming, the Second Amendment is not merely a viewpoint but embodies a “way of life.”
Freese also discussed the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Regulations, which he described as “radical” and advocated for their complete abolition.
While sharing his experiences traveling across the state, Freese noted, “When I discuss WOTUS in city halls, I often see people shaking their heads. This has been a significant issue for various communities in Wyoming.” He criticized the Biden-era EPA for redefining navigable waterways, implying that such definitions can penalize property owners for alterations on their land.
He expressed concern about potential selective enforcement of these regulations. “It’s unclear how they decide whom to target. The broad definition allows for intrusive actions. It’s punitive and can be a prolonged struggle to resolve,” Freese added.
His campaign literature states that WOTUS poses a threat by possibly granting the federal government authority over even small puddles on ranchland. Freese shared that before Donald Trump took office, he worked with savvy conservative lawyers in D.C. who identified a temporary legal solution for WOTUS challenges.
“They presented a document for Trump to sign, which offered immediate relief to those dealing with WOTUS issues,” Freese concluded.
