Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) has introduced a bill protecting the right of law-abiding Americans to use guns in self-defense.

The proposed Citizens’ Self-Defense Act of 2005, introduced in House of Representatives in early January by Bartlett, would specifically protect the right of law-abiding citizens to use handguns, rifles and shotguns in defending themselves, their families or their homes.

The bill also would allow people whose self-defense rights have been violated by any government entity to bring legal action in federal court.

The bill, HR-47, a variant of similar bills Bartlett has sponsored in prior Congresses, has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It has widespread pro-gun support, and may prove to be a measure of just how much more pro-gun the 109th Congress will be.