Valley Congressman Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, condemned President Obama's Jan. 5 announcement of plans to restrict gun access through executive orders.

"This is a deliberate attempt to bypass Congress and a blatant demonstration of executive overreach," said Denham. "The president's proposal fails to recognize that there is no law or set of laws that can prevent every senseless act of violence in our society. It further demonstrates a lack of respect for the will of the American people and for the role of Congress to make laws supported by our constituents."

Denham said he supports Americans' rights to keep and bear arms, as outlined in the Second Amendment of the Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in 2008.

"Any legislation pertaining to firearms should address the underlying causes of violent acts, such as mental illness, not persecute citizens seeking protection, safety and peace of mind."