Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, expressed his concern on the Senate floor about a universal firearm background check system now under consideration in Congress.

“Some of the proposals, like for example – universal background checks – would allow the federal government to surveil law-abiding citizens who exercise their Constitutional rights,” Lee said. “One of the provisions we expect to see in the bill based on what we saw in the Judiciary Committee – on which I sit – would allow the Attorney General of the United States (Eric Holder) to promulgate regulations that could lead to a national registry system for guns. Something my constituents in Utah are very concerned about, and understandably so.”

Senator Lee said the government has no authority to monitor the legal exercise of constitutional rights.

“You see, the federal government has no business monitoring when or how often you go to church; what books and newspapers you read; who you vote for; your health conditions; what you eat for breakfast; and the details of your private life– including your lawful exercise of your rights protected by the Second Amendment and other provisions of the Bill of Rights.”