UPDATE (Thursday, 3:01 p.m. PST) - Oregon Congressman Kurt Schrader was one of just six Democrats in the House who voted Wednesday for a bill that would allow concealed handgun licensees to carry their weapons in all 50 states.
Republican Greg Walden also backed the bill, which passed on a 231-198 vote. It was opposed by Democrats Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici and Peter DeFazio.
Schrader often votes with the National Rifle Association, which gave him a 71 percent positive rating in 2016. NRA members were asked to pressure Schrader to support the bill. A pro-gun control group, Everytown For Gun Safety, ran ads calling on Schrader to oppose it.
Supporters said people with concealed carry permits shouldn't lose the right to protect themselves as they travel to other states. Opponents decried the ease of gaining the permits in some states and making it harder for police to know if someone is in legal possession of a gun.
In a statement, Schrader praised the bill for also containing provisions that he said would strengthen background checks for those seeking to buy firearms.
"We need to find a balance that protects our second amendment rights while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals," he said.
Schrader spokeswoman Carlee Griffeth also said in an email that the congressman has also sponsored another bill that would expand background checks to include a broader range of sales, including those at gun shows or arranged through the internet or in classified advertising. Similar checks are already required in Oregon.
The measure faces tougher odds in the Senate, where Democrats are expected to block the bill.
