[Holmes:] Sixteen minutes past the hour now here on this AMERICAN MORNING. It's been the talk really of the past several days how best to protect members of Congress. They have a meeting going on today. They're going to be talking about security after that attack on Congresswoman Giffords. Some are talking about possibly beefing up security, maybe more guards. Talking about even Plexiglas the House gallery. Some are, however, taking matters into their own hands, deciding it's best for them to make sure they arm themselves including my next guest, Congressman Jason Chaffetz. He is a Republican from Utah joining me this morning. Sir, I appreciate you taking the time out and talking about this. Certainly a sensitive and emotional topic, very personal for you all. So thank you for being here. You had a concealed weapons permit before you were ever elected to Congress, is that correct?
[Rep. Jason Chaffetz , Utah:] Yes, yes.
[Holmes:] Now why did you feel the need to have one in the first place?
[Chaffetz:] Well, it's just a personal security measure on my part. I feel comfortable with it. It's not for everyone. Nobody should rush out because of what happened on Saturday and suddenly start to do something new. But for my own personal security, I just felt comfortable around firearms and I feel comfortable with concealed carry permit. I don't do it all the time but I do it sometimes and I just feel more comfortable doing it.
[Holmes:] Will you start doing it more now after this incident?
[Chaffetz:] Well, I mean, I might do it a little bit more regularly, but I don't think we should overreact to what happened in the tragedy. It was a very isolated incident. Even if, you know, that had happened in Utah, heaven forbid, I don't know that it would have necessarily solved anything. So, yes, I mean, it's something I did before Congress, I've done since I've been elected to Congress and I will continue to do.
[Holmes:] What necessarily is your level of concern or what has it been for your own personal safety? And have you had not necessarily close calls but at least incidents or even threats to you that kind of raised some red flags for you?
[Chaffetz:] Well, I think look, I'm just entering my second term. I've only been here 24 months. But unfortunately, every member of Congress both sides of the aisle I think has had a degree of threats that have come in a variety of different forms. We're going to have to get more serious about some of those threats. I think the follow- through that happens is going to have to be taken a little bit more seriously. I think everybody is on edge. We're praying and rooting for our colleague in Gabby Giffords. But, please, we've got to follow through on some of those that are obviously off-balanced that can't distinguish right from wrong, that can't distinguish reality. Those need to be taken a little bit more serious. But at the same time, I don't think there needs to be special rules or new legislation to do something special for members of Congress. I don't think we need to go that far.
[Holmes:] And you're talking about there certainly a lot of things being thrown out there. I know you're all having a pretty big meeting today to talk about security.
[Chaffetz:] Yes.
[Holmes:] But one of those people going to be at that meeting and you want to be talking at that meeting is the sergeant-at-arms, Terrance Gainer. He was on with me a little earlier this morning, and he said period, point blank and unequivocally, we do not need to have members of Congress carrying guns because that just introduce you introduce more guns into the situation. What is your response to that at least?
[Chaffetz:] Well, it is my Second Amendment right as a law-abiding citizen to go ahead and carry a weapon if I so choose. I do not do it here in the Capitol. There is a huge security force. There would be logistical challenges. But what I do in my own district, in my own state, which is done by a lot of my other residents of my state, I think is something that is a personal choice of mine. And I don't think it creates more of a problem.
[Holmes:] All right. And last thing here, I'll give you a moment here to wrap this up. People may not realize that your next door neighbor in Congress, the person whose office is right next door to yours is Gabby Giffords. Just give me your thoughts on your neighbor and what she appears to be doing right now is remarkable in her recovery.
[Chaffetz:] Well, I think the nation is in shock. And look, we it's the whole spectrum. It's the sadness, then the devastation of seeing that little 9-year-old girl who was shot and the other people that were killed and the grieving that we're going through. We're also rooting and cheering and so excited and praying for Gabby Giffords and her recovery. It's the entire spectrum of emotion around here. And, gosh, God bless her and God bless those who have been affected by this. It's really striking a chord and I know it is with all Americans.
[Holmes:] All right. Well, Congressman Chaffetz, I certainly know you all are going through a tough time. I bet your colleague is your friend and literally in your case
[Chaffetz:] Yes.
[Holmes:] it is your neighbor up there on Capitol Hill. Sir, thank you for taking the time out with us. We'll continue to touch base with you down the road.
[Chaffetz:] Thank you.
[Holmes:] Thanks so much. All right, Alina.
[Cho:] Up next on AMERICAN MORNING, a CNN exclusive. One year after the earthquake in Haiti, we return to an orphanage where children were living in squalor. Now just wait until you see the difference that just $6,000 made. And later, where the jobs are. Companies are hiring out there. We'll show you where to look. It's 21 minutes after the hour.