By Autumn Price

Cruz, who has long been a strong advocate of the Second Amendment, emphasized the importance of its protection in America.

“The right to bear arms is one of the most foundational and basic freedoms in our Constitution,” Cruz said, adding that he is “proud” to cosponsor the legislation.

“The Protecting the Second Amendment Act which will roll back regulations that specifically and unfairly targeted Texas,” he continued.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to reverse the previous administration’s misguided policies and champion Texans’ and Americans’ freedom to protect themselves and their families.”

NRA executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre called Cruz “one of our nation’s leading defenders of the Second Amendment” in 2016. “For over a decade, Ted has fought tirelessly to defend our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and his leadership was absolutely critical to our major victories before the U.S. Supreme Court,” LaPierre said. Cruz received an “A+” rating by the NRA in 2010.

Gun Owners of America Chairman Tim Macy echoed these statements when GOAÂ endorsed Cruz for President in 2016.Â “We need a stalwart defender of the Second Amendment in the White House, and Ted Cruz will help shoulder the burden of fighting against the gun grabbers dedicated to eviscerating the Second Amendment,” Macy said.

“As we have seen over and over again, criminals prey on the defenseless,” Cruz said in 2016. “You don’t reduce violent crime by taking away the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families.”