Burns shows independent streak, votes against three bills that would erode Second Amendment
Breaks with Democrat leaders, again does what he thinks is right
Rep. Frank Burns October 1, 2025 | 9:07 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 — Furthering his career-long commitment to unflinchingly protect the Second Amendment, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, broke ranks with his own party leadership today, voting against three bills that threatened the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
Burns was the deciding vote to defeat two gun-control bills—one to create a so-called “red flag” law, and the other to prohibit firearms made of nonmetal substances. Because of Burns’ votes, each of those House bills was defeated 102-101.
Because of the hanky-panky going on back home by those seeking to misrepresent his voting record on the Second Amendment as a Democrat, Burns urged people in the 72nd Legislative District to pay particular attention to the third bill—which would expand universal background checks to the purchase of long guns. Burns was one of three Democrats who voted no, but the bill passed 104-99 because five Republican House members voted yes. (Roll call votes of each bill are available here: H.B. 1859 Roll Call; H.B. 1099 Roll Call; H.B. 1593 Roll Call)
“Once again, I’ve clearly shown that there’s no way I’m going to support bills designed to chip away at the Second Amendment rights that the people of Cambria County hold so dear,” Burns said. “If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they don’t know – or are purposely ignoring my real voting record. I’ve voted against bills like this before, and I’ll gladly do it again.”
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“Once again, I’ve clearly shown that there’s no way I’m going to support bills designed to chip away at the Second Amendment rights that the people of Cambria County hold so dear. … I’ve voted against bills like this before, and I’ll gladly do it again.” – Rep. Frank Burns
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Burns refused to back the bill to expand background checks to private sales of long guns, saying it’s a red herring in the gun debate. He said rifles purchased at gun shows aren’t the weapon of choice for criminals but are widely used by law-abiding sportsmen.
Burns said he objected to the “red flag” bill because of its potential for abuse. The bill would allow relatives or law enforcement to temporarily disarm someone deemed in crisis, and Burns believes that disgruntled relatives could abuse the process.
Burns opposed the bill to ban non-metal firearms because it would clearly violate the Second Amendment rights of hobbyists, without cutting down on crime. He cited the potential for making criminals of enthusiasts who want to build their own firearms as a hobby, while real criminals would be able to still find a way to obtain a metal gun.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I refuse to chip away at the Second Amendment rights of the people of Cambria County and Pennsylvania, when that is the crystal-clear aim of any legislation,” Burns said.