Rep. Chris Collins' bill would prohibit states from imposing stricter regulations on firearms than those put in place by the federal government. | AP Photo Cuomo says he’ll sue if Congress passes Collins gun bill

HUDSON — Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that he’ll sue the federal government if a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Collins to override parts of the SAFE Act becomes law.

“If they try to overrule the state of New York, we will sue, because the state has rights, too,” Cuomo said. “And especially with this federal government, it’s very important that the states represent their rights and assert their rights. And I will assert my right to the fullest extent of the law, because I am diametrically opposed and the people of my state are diametrically opposed to much of what this federal government is trying to do.”


Collins, a Buffalo-area Republican, announced his legislation on Monday. It would prohibit states from imposing stricter regulations on firearms than those put in place by the federal government, and was specifically directed at provisions in Cuomo’s 2013 gun control measure that banned some semiautomatic guns and large magazines.

“I don’t think this is really about his passing a bill,” Cuomo said. “I think this is they’re playing politics, they’re pledging allegiance to the ultraconservatives in Washington, and that’s what this is about more than anything. The new flavor of the year is the best, most adamant ultraconservative wing, and they’re all vying for the championship ring of being the most ultraconservative.”

Cuomo made his remarks after announcing that Hudson was one of 10 cities to win a $10 million pot of money for downtown revitalization.

“I used to do economic development, urban development for the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Cuomo said. “I did it all across the country during the Clinton administration, and the key on urban development, economic development, was: 'Build on your asset.' What do you have that makes you unique and is your competitive advantage? And Hudson has almost everything you could imagine if you were designing a foundation to build on.”

The governor declined to weigh in on speculation that he may face a primary challenge next year. Both Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and former state senator Terry Gipson are said to be exploring runs.

“We’ll see what happens politically next year,” Cuomo said.