A group of House Republicans formed the Congressional Second Amendment Caucus on Thursday.
The group, headed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R., Ky.), said the caucus plans to draft and sponsor pro-gun legislation in the upcoming Congress.
"Caucus members will lead efforts in the House of Representatives to pass meaningful firearms legislation and protect Americans against infringements of the Second Amendment," the group said in a statement.
Massie said the election of Donald Trump and Republican majorities in both houses of Congress were the catalyst for the formation of the caucus.
"The recent election results present us with a new opportunity to advance pro-gun legislation and reverse the erosion of the Second Amendment that's occurred over the last few decades," he said. "I look forward to working with the new president and this determined group of conservatives to promote a pro-gun agenda."
In addition to sponsoring and supporting pro-gun bills, the caucus said they also plan to invite firearm experts, constitutional scholars, and pro-gun groups to speak to them regularly.
Some of those pro-gun voices praised the newly formed caucus in the statement released by the group.
"With so many laws disarming the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society and others who face real threats to their and their family's safety, it is reassuring to know that the Second Amendment Caucus is there to ensure people's safety," said John Lott, a pro-gun researcher and author.
"While many of us lawyers are working to secure pro-gun reforms in the courts, it's reassuring to know that the Second Amendment Caucus is doing the same in the legislature," said attorney Alan Gura, who has represented gun rights interests in a number of landmark federal court cases.
The inaugural members of the caucus are Republican Reps. Jeff Duncan (S.C.), Ted Yoho (Fla.), Brian Babin (Texas), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Mark Meadows (N.C.), Ken Buck (Colo.), Alex Mooney (W.Va.), Justin Amash (Mich.), Jody Hice (Ga.), Dave Brat (Va.), Warren Davidson (Ohio), Scott Perry (Pa.), and James Comer (Ky.).
The group will allow other members to join but only if it deems their voting records on gun issues acceptable.