NRA-ILA Alerts - NRA - Legislation

[SIZE=+3]**** Alert *** Alert *** Alert ****[/SIZE]


Dear Fellow NRA Member,
In the next few days, you'll receive your new NRA membership card.
The moment you receive it, I urge you to validate your new membership card as soon as possible. More than ever, we need you to stand with NRA and fight to save our Second Amendment freedoms.



[SIZE=+2]Because Barack Obama's campaign promise[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]not to take away our guns is a lie.[/SIZE]

He's not even in office, yet he's fired the opening salvos in a war against the future of the Second Amendment, our hunting and shooting traditions, and YOU.


Obama's FIRST attack on YOU:

Appointing Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel to be White House Chief of Staff. In Congress, Emanuel earned an "F" rating from NRA, and while working in the Clinton Administration, he was known as the "point man on gun control." He is an avowed enemy of the Second Amendment and will wield enormous power in the battle for the future of our firearm freedoms.

Obama's SECOND attack on YOU:

If Hillary Clinton is confirmed as Secretary of State, she'll rip the Second Amendment right out of the Bill of Rights. She'll be our nation's top diplomat with the power to determine whether the United Nations will pass, and Obama will sign, a global gun ban treaty that will surrender our Second Amendment rights and our national sovereignty.

Obama's THIRD attack on YOU:

Nominating ex-Senator and former Majority Leader Tom Daschle-an avowed enemy of NRA-to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. NRA was responsible for defeating Daschle when he ran in South Dakota for re-election to the Senate. If Daschle is confirmed, he could hold the ultimate power to declare guns a "public health menace" and regulate away our essential liberties.

Obama's FOURTH attack on YOU:

Nominating Eric Holder to be Attorney General. As former Assistant Attorney General, Holder was a key architect and vocal advocate for the Clinton era's sweeping gun ban agenda. He supported national handgun licensing, mandatory trigger locks, and ending gun shows as we know them.
Just recently, Holder opposed the District of Columbia's Heller decision that declared the Second Amendment an individual right. Holder also called for reviving the Clinton gun bans and, as Attorney General, would fight in court to prevent the landmark Heller decision from being made applicable to state and local governments.
Worst of all, if Holder is confirmed as the nation's top law-enforcement officer, he would control BATFE and wield enormous power to harass gun owners and sue America's arms makers out of existence.

Obama's FIFTH attack on YOU:

In the job application for the Obama Administration, he made it clear that gun owners are second-class citizens and told 80 million gun owners not to even bother applying for a job. In the "White House Personnel Data Questionnaire" he asked:

"Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide
complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever
lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has
been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage."

This chilling notice to gun owners-that they are not welcome to serve in his Administration-shows the deep hostility for Americans' Second Amendment Freedoms that Obama and his Administration have in their hearts.
On its face, that question endorses gun registration-a mandate in only five states in our nation-and buys into the anti-gun premise that firearms are inherently dangerous and gun owners are prone to misusing them.
That's an outrageous mindset, especially for the President-elect whose sworn duty will be to uphold the U.S. Constitution, including our right to keep and bear arms.
Obama CLEARLY wants to make gun registration the law of the land.
First for employees under his control...AND THEN FOR YOU.
Working with a Congress dominated by gun haters like Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein, John Conyers, Henry Waxman, and Charles Schumer!!!
Rubbing salt in gun owner wounds is the Brady Campaign, which just issued a completely bogus poll claiming that two-thirds of the Americans-including 60% of all gun owners-favor gun registration, licensing of firearm owners, and other sweeping restrictions on our firearm freedoms!


[SIZE=+2]Add it all up and you have the potential[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]for a Second Amendment disaster that's unlike[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]any other NRA members have ever battled.[/SIZE]

That's why we need the strongest possible commitment from EVERY NRA member, starting today. That's why I'm hoping you'll validate your new NRA membership card the moment you receive it.
Because our greatest strength is you.
Only by working with you can NRA hold the line against these threats from every quarter. We are the one force that has the strength to keep Americans free and our rights intact for future generations. With you at our side, we will fight and we will prevail against all odds.
Thank you for your loyalty to NRA and the cause of Freedom.






Forward this E-Mail to Friends
and Urge Them to Join NRA Today!

----------------------------------
[SIZE=-1]National Rifle Association * 11250 Waples Mill Road * Fairfax, VA 22030[/SIZE]

12/13/2008

Ammo Ban And Registration Proposal Getting Fresh Look

Happy Holidays: Now dispose of all of your ammunition! Every last round! From now on, you will be able to buy only overpriced ammunition that will be registered to you in a government database.

Not yet--at least for now. A small company, Ammunition Accountability--which wants to help anti-gunners price and regulate the Second Amendment out of existence, profit at the expense of our rights, or both--has found radical anti-gun legislators in 18 states willing to introduce bills pushing such nonsense.




You Can't Make This Stuff Up!


Anti-gun Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) was taken into custody this week on federal corruption charges. He has been accused of conspiring to sell or trade President-elect Barack Obama's senate seat, seeking "personal financial benefits." The evidence? U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald released a 76-page FBI affidavit detailing an investigation that includes court-authorized wiretaps that are alleged to contain conversations where Blagojevich discusses exchanging the Senate appointment he controls for:

· A salaried position with either a non-profit foundation or a labor union-affiliated organization;
· Placing his wife on paid corporate boards;
· Commitments from individuals to raise campaign funds for Blagojevich, and;
· A cabinet post or ambassadorship in the Obama Administration.


Important Information On Right-to-Carry In Our National Parks:


As we announced last week, the Department of Interior has released their new regulation that will recognize Right-to-Carry in national parks in those states that allow Right-to-Carry. It is important to note, however, that the new regulations do not take effect until 30 days after their publication in the Federal Register.




The Second Amendment Book Bomb on Bill of Rights Day, December 15!


Monday, December 15, marks America's Bill of Rights Day, the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution. To commemorate this event, the Second Amendment Book Bomb website has been created, a unique and powerful way to communicate the importance the Bill of Rights' Second Amendment plays in the protection of liberty. With your help, we can launch constitutional rights to the top of national book bestseller lists, making a loud and clear statement that Second Amendment rights are inalienable!



STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates)

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 17, No. 30 07/30/10

Last Chance To OPPOSE
Elena Kagan's Confirmation to U.S. Supreme Court

On Tuesday, July 20, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 to send Elena Kagan's Supreme Court nomination on to the full Senate for a vote. The full Senate vote on the confirmation will occur the week of August 2nd. NOW is the time to contact your U.S. Senators and strongly urge them to OPPOSE and filibuster the Kagan nomination!

As we've been reporting in these pages, on July 1, in a letter to the U.S. Senate, NRA announced its strong opposition to her confirmation. Prior to the Senate Judiciary Committee vote, we ran print ads in Politico, Roll Call, and The Hill newspapers, and ran a nationwide commercial on Fox News and on the Internet opposing Kagan's confirmation.

Both her political career in the Clinton Administration and her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee make it clear that Kagan is a serious opponent of our Second Amendment Rights.

NRA-Backed "Protecting Gun Owners In Bankruptcy Act of 2010" Passes U.S. House:

This week, by a margin of 307-113, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives voted to amend the federal definition of "household goods" to protect firearms from creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.


NRA Protects Second Amendment Rights Of Residents In Public Housing:

Gun owners and sportsmen earned a victory this week as the House Financial Services Committee considered and adopted an amendment offered by Congressman Tom Price (R-Ga.) to protect the Second Amendment rights of public housing residents.


"Don't Tread On My Gun Rights" Yard Signs Available Now:

We've created a new yard sign that will send a strong message this election season to all who read it: "Don't Tread on my Gun Rights."


STATE ROUNDUP

(please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.)

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 17, No. 43 10/29/10

VOTE!!!

This is it! On Tuesday, November 2, gun owners will go to the polls by the millions to "Vote Freedom First"! For a list of candidate grades and endorsements, please visit www.NRAPVF.org.
In addition to voting, if you have a few hours over the next few days, please consider actively volunteering to assist with efforts in your area on behalf of pro-gun candidates. If you have already voted early or absentee, please also volunteer ON ELECTION DAY to assist. Here are three ways to help over the next four days leading up to Election Day.


A Special Message From NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox:
Thanks for sticking with the NRA and helping put us in a position to have a major impact in races across the country. With your help, we will continue to build a firewall around the Second Amendment.
As we head into the final weekend, I wanted to share a song from two NRA members who care about their country (please click the following link to view the video and hear the song: http://www.banjobenclark.com/teachenorclark.html). I hope you enjoy it.
Yours in Freedom,
Chris


Who's "Unreasonable?" With His Radical Gun Regs Imminent in NYC, Bloomberg Says "NRA." In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court indicated that a limited number of gun control restrictions are permissible under the Second Amendment—provisions such as "prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms." In McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the Court said that its Heller ruling applied not just to Congress and federal enclaves, such as Washington, D.C., but nationwide as well.


2010 Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium:The 2010 "Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium" will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. This event will be sponsored by The NRA Foundation and the John Marshall Law School chapter of the Federalist Society.


"Don't Tread On My Gun Rights" Yard Signs Available Now: We've created a new yard sign that will send a strong message this election season to all who read it: "Don't Tread on my Gun Rights."


Another Way To Get Involved--Join NRA's Facebook And Twitter Groups: Internet social networking has exploded in recent years, and websites such as Facebook and Twitter attract millions of users. This on-line community fosters a connection between its users, and allows distribution of user-generated content (like pictures, profiles, music, video, and text).


STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 17, No. 44 11/05/10

ELECTION 2010 RECAP:

Gun Owners' Rights To Be Strengthened In Next Congress!

Election Day 2010 was a great day for the Second Amendment and NRA members, and positions us well for our future defense, and advancement, of the Second Amendment! The most important fact about Tuesday's elections for gun owners is how many more pro-gun lawmakers we will have in the next legislative session and how many fewer anti-gun lawmakers there will be. Here are some highlights from Tuesday's contests:

U.S. Senate

• 19 of NRA-PVF's 25 endorsed U.S. Senate candidates won. This marks a pro-gun upgrade of eight Senate seats.
• In the 111th Congress, there were 43 A-rated and 34 F-rated Senators. The 112th Congress will contain 50 A-rated (+7) and 33 F-rated Senators (-1).
• There will be 12 pro-gun Senate freshmen.

U.S. House

• Of the 262 candidates endorsed by the NRA-PVF for the U.S. House, 225 were victorious, for an 85% winning percentage. In every case but one where an NRA-PVF endorsed candidate lost, a pro-gun challenger replaced him.
• In the 111th Congress, there were 226 A-rated and 151 F-rated Representatives. The 112th Congress will contain 258 A-rated (+32) and 133 F-rated (-18) Members.
• There were pro-gun election upgrades in 27 House districts.

Note: As of today, 9 races remain too close to call.

Gubernatorial & State Legislatures

• Of the 21 gubernatorial candidates endorsed by the NRA-PVF, 15 were victorious. (Note: Two races remain too close to call.)
• We made major gains in state legislative races, which will position us well in the upcoming legislative sessions next year.

We want to thank the tens of millions of gun owners who actively volunteered for pro-gun candidates and who Voted Freedom First on November 2nd!

NRA's Right To Hunt And Fish Amendments Adopted In Three States:

Voters in Tennessee, Arkansas, and South Carolina made a powerful statement on Tuesday by overwhelmingly voting to include National Rifle Association-backed constitutional amendments to protect America's great, ages-old heritage of hunting and fishing as state constitutional rights.

2010 Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium:

The 2010 "Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium" will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. This event will be sponsored by The NRA Foundation and the John Marshall Law School chapter of the Federalist Society.

STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 3 01/21/10

McCarthy Bill Would Ban Common Self-Defense Magazines

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 308, the "Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act." The bill would ban the manufacture and importation of new magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Unlike the magazine ban that was in effect from 1994 to 2004, her new bill would also make it illegal for the tens of millions of Americans who already own these magazines to sell or otherwise transfer them, even through inheritance.
In a letter to her colleagues, Rep. McCarthy claimed, "The only reason for the existence of these devices is to be able to shoot as many people as quickly as possible." Yet her bill would allow the continued acquisition and possession of these magazines by law enforcement officers, who carry firearms to defend themselves and the public. It would even allow these magazines to be transferred to law enforcement officers upon retirement, even though a retired officer's right to use firearms for self-defense is the same as any other private citizen's right.

California Court Strikes Down Ammunition Law!

In an important victory for California gun owners, the Fresno Superior Court ruled this week that California's new ammunition regulation law is unconstitutional, and blocked further enforcement.
The law -- enacted last year as AB 962 -- banned mail order ammunition sales and required all purchases of so called "handgun ammunition" to be registered.. In an unwritten ruling from the bench, Judge Jeffrey Hamilton found the law unconstitutionally vague on its face and issued an injunction against its enforcement. For now, at least, mail order ammunition sales to California residents can continue, and ammunition sales need not be registered under the law.

STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 4 01/28/11

Obama To Push Gun Control Soon

To the dismay of the Brady Campaign and other gun ban groups, President Barack Obama didn't address gun control during his State of the Union address on January 25th. However, Newsweek reports that "in the next two weeks, the White House will unveil a new gun-control effort," and that the White House confirms, "Obama will address the gun issue in a separate speech, likely early next month." According to Newsweek, Obama believes that gun laws have been "too loose for much longer than just the past few weeks" following the murders in Tucson, Arizona.
Precisely what President Obama might have in mind is uncertain. His post-election transition website advocated reimposing the expired federal "assault weapon" ban, but that ban would clearly be irrelevant in the wake of a shooting that involved a firearm not covered by the old ban.

Proposed Shotgun Import Ban Shows Need To Change Law:

On Thursday, Jan. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released a Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns, which proposes that "military shotguns, or shotguns with common military features that are unsuitable for traditional shotgun sports" be prohibited from importation. This would apply to all shotguns -- not just semi-automatics. As in previous "working group" studies on rifles, the study fails to give proper credit to the widespread use of these guns in newer shooting sports, or to their adaptability to hunting.

Reps. Rehberg And Boswell Introduce H.R. 420 -- "Veterans Heritage Firearms Act"--

This week, U.S. Representatives Denny Rehberg (R-MT) and Leonard Boswell (D-IA) introduced H.R. 420 -- the "Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act." The legislation would provide a limited amnesty period for veterans who served overseas before 1968. During the amnesty period, the veterans would be able to register war relic firearms without fear of prosecution. This amnesty would also extend to a veteran's lawful heirs who inherit these firearms.

STATE ROUNDUP

Not if you're a liberal it's not irrelevent. Exploit every tradgedy you can.

"Never let a crisis go to waste" - Rahm Emanuel

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 8 02/25/11


National Right-to-Carry
Reciprocity Bill Introduced In U.S. House



Last week, H.R. 822, was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Schuler (D-N.C.). The measure would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms. A state's laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders. The bill also applies to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.
H.R. 822 would not create a federal licensing system. Rather, it would require the states to recognize each others' carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards. Rep. Stearns has introduced such legislation since 1995.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121 and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 822.

Additional contact information can be found using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org.

To read more about this legislation, please click here.

BATFE's "Project Gunrunner" Comes Under Additional Scrutiny:

We have previously reported on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' "Project Gunrunner" and its inherent problems. Established in 2007, this program sought to expand the agency's firearm tracing operations to address trafficking to Mexico. A CBS News story this week brought more scrutiny and additional questions to bear on the controversial program.


STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 9 03/04/11

A Champion for Gun Owners Passes Away:
NRA Remembers Former U.S. Sen. James McClure

We are sad to report that a peerless friend of gun owners, retired U.S. Sen. James A. McClure, R-Idaho -- who aggressively led the advancement of the Second Amendment cause in the U.S. Senate for two decades -- died on February 26 at his home in Garden City, Idaho. He was 86.
The NRA and its members will most remember Sen. McClure for his ten-year fight to reform the draconian provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act, culminating in President Ronald Reagan's signing into law the McClure-Volkmer Act -- officially known as the Firearms Owners' Protection Act -- in 1986. Working with his stalwart Democratic colleague in the U.S. House of Representatives, Harold Volkmer, and with the total support of the NRA, the reforms curbed abusive practices that had wrecked the lives of countless innocent gun owners.
From his first days as a U.S. Senator, Jim McClure made a difference.


Poll Reveals Most Voters Oppose Additional Gun Control:

According to a recent poll, conducted by Zogby International and The O'Leary Report, and reported on Townhall.com, since the tragedy in Arizona, Americans' support for their Second Amendment rights show no signs of weakening.

Brady Campaign's "Sweet 17" Gun Control Laws:

On Monday, the 17th anniversary of the Brady Act, the Brady Campaign issued a news release calling for -- what else? -- 17 gun laws. (Actually it called for 20, doubling up a few of them to fit in with the catchy "17" gimmick.)

Outrage Of The Week:

This week's Outrage comes to us from the City of Brotherly Love and its Mayor, Michael Nutter (D).
Nutter is a member of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's gun control advocacy group, misnamed Mayors Against Illegal Guns. We recently reported on Bloomberg's announcement that he had hired a driver to tour the country in a large truck, towing a billboard claiming (wrongly) that 34 people are murdered with guns each day.


STATE ROUNDUP

**** Alert *** Alert *** Alert ****



The U.S. Senate may soon begin confirmation hearings on one of the most dangerous political appointees of Barack Obama's presidency -- and NRA-ILA needs YOUR HELP to defeat this nomination!

President Obama has tapped Andrew Traver, a committed ringleader in the gun-ban movement, to head up the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Now, the U.S. Senate must decide whether to allow Traver to take over this crucial government post.


As a committed Second Amendment freedom fighter, you're well aware that this agency has an enormous and direct impact on you and other gun owners nationwide. And if Andrew Traver is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, it will turn back the clock all the way to the Clinton days when the full force of BATFE's enormous powers were leveled against gun stores and gun owners on an almost daily basis.

That's why I'm asking you to visit www.StopTraver.org today.

Through this special website, you can send messages directly to your U.S. Senators and make your voice heard BEFORE the Senate considers this disastrous nomination. This website also includes an important "Stop Traver" Fact Sheet with critical information you need to know about Andrew Traver.
Please understand, Traver is not just another run-of-the-mill anti-gun elitist, but a dedicated gun-banzealot with the deepest possible ties to the national "gun control" movement.

And now, President Barack Obama wants to put him in charge of BATFE where he can inflict almost unlimited and permanent damage to our rights.
Please, visit www.StopTraver.org today and help us win this crucial battle -- for yourself and for every American who cherishes our constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Thanks in advance for your courageous help!

Sincerely,
Chris W. Cox
Executive Director
NRA Institute for Legislative Action

P.S. Anti-gun ringleaders across the country are doing everything in their power to make sure that Andrew Traver is confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Director of BATFE. You need to make your voice heard! Please, click here to visit www.StopTraver.org and help defeat this disastrous Obama nomination today!

Bills to loosen the firearms regulations in New Hampshire have been progressing through the legislature.

House bills would relax gun-carry rules - Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2011

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 12 03/25/11


Schumer Bill Includes Steps Toward
Federal Gun Registration . . . And More



Recently, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) -- who in the early 1990s was the House sponsor of the Brady Act and the federal "assault weapons" and "large" magazine ban of 1994-2004, and the ill-fated, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink "Brady II" bill -- introduced S. 436, the multi-faceted "Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011." Its simplistic and misleading title aside, this bill dispels any doubt about the goal gun control supporters have had in mind ever since they began harping about "closing the gun show loophole" more than a decade ago. Schumer's "fix" bypasses the question of gun shows altogether. In fact, the term "gun show" appears nowhere in his bill. S. 436 proposes that virtually all private transfers, regardless of location, be subject to National Instant Criminal Background Check System checks. The exceptions would be extremely narrow; in many cases, even lending someone a firearm would be subject to federal regulation.

Investigations Into BATFE Accelerate:

As the BATFE faces an increasing array of questions about its activities in the "Fast and Furious" and "Project Gunrunner" programs, the scandal has taken its first political casualty and President Obama has finally commented directly on these problems.


STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 14 04/08/11


Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
There are now only two states that have no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. Thirty-nine states have shall-issue permit systems that make it possible for any law-abiding person to obtain a permit, while most of the others have discretionary permit systems.
H.R. 822 would make a major step forward for gun owners’ rights by significantly expanding where those permits are recognized.


No News Here—Daley, Emanuel Oppose Right-to-Carry:

In an unsurprising move, two of Chicago’s most prominent, and most anti-gun, politicians joined forces with a coalition of gun ban groups to oppose Right-to-Carry in Illinois. Illinois is one of only two remaining states that deny citizens the ability to carry firearms for self-defense.


Deadline Nears On BATFE Shotgun Ban Comments:

As we reported on Jan. 28, May 1 is the deadline for public comments concerning a shotgun importation ban that has been proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. A working group within the BATFE has recommended that any shotgun (semi-automatic, pump-action or any other) that has any one of 10 specific features should be banned from importation, on the grounds that such shotguns are not “generally recognized as particularly suitable for a readily adaptable to sporting purposes.”


Government Shutdown And The Instant Check System:

With the budget battle between the White House and congressional leaders threatening to shut down many federal government operations, the NRA has received many questions about whether a government shutdown would close access to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The answer, according to NICS staff, is no. NICS is part of the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which is considered an essential law enforcement operation and will therefore continue to operate, although with a limited staff, during any shutdown.


More Evidence That Mexican Drug Cartel Guns Are Coming From Central America:

As we reported last week, evidence is mounting that many of the illegal firearms finding their way to Mexican drug cartels are originating not in the U.S., but rather from surplus military sources in Central America.


STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 16 04/22/11


Mexico Disregards U.S. Law



In another chapter in the ongoing attempt to blame the American gun community for Mexico's internal strife, CBS News reports that the Mexican government has retained the New York City-based law firm of Reid Collins & Tsai to examine its options for suing U.S. gun manufacturers and distributors. This report describes Mexico's actions as a "novel approach," in reality, such lawsuits have been used for decades as a tactic by anti-gun groups and governments in their attempts to bankrupt gun manufacturers and circumvent the political process.
That's why Congress passed the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" in 2005. This act protects firearms manufacturers, distributors, dealers and importers from suits brought about as a result of "the harm solely caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of firearm products or ammunition products by others when the product functioned as designed and intended." The outlook for a Mexican government suit looks dim; since the PLCAA was signed into law by President George W. Bush on Oct. 26, 2005, no federal court has allowed such a suit by a government plaintiff to go forward against a U.S. firearms manufacturer.


Mourning Another Second Amendment Hero: Rep. Harold L. Volkmer, R.I.P.

--The NRA, and American gun owners, lost a loyal friend on April 16, 2011, when former U.S. Rep. Harold L. Volkmer died in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday, and was pleased to read the hundreds of cards he had received from grateful gun owners.


Legislation Introduced To Protect Lead Based Ammo And Fishing Tackle:

On April 14th, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Representatives Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), Mike Ross (D-Ark.), Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C..), introduced legislation to protect traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle from a potential ban by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


OUTRAGE Of The Week: Capital One Rejects Hunting Photo for Image Card


--"Express Yourself. Personalize your card with an image of your choice."
That is the claim made by Capital One for anyone who wants to have a personal photo put on a Capital One credit card. You can even design it yourself online with a photo you upload.
But you can't use a hunting photo. Capital One considers them unacceptable.


Urge Your Representative To Cosponsor H.R. 822, The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act Of 2011:

Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

Deadline Nears On BATFE Shotgun Ban Comments:

As we reported on and since Jan. 28, May 1 is the deadline for public comments concerning a shotgun importation ban that has been proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. A working group within the BATFE has recommended that any shotgun (semi-automatic, pump-action or any other) that has any one of 10 specific features should be banned from importation, on the grounds that such shotguns are not "generally recognized as particularly suitable for a readily adaptable to sporting purposes."

STATE ROUNDUP

NRA Wants Attorney General to Step Down



Eric Holder under fire from NRA over allegations
about project of allowing guns to be smuggled
to Mexico

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 19 05/13/11

NRA FILES SUIT AGAINST UNCONSTITUTIONAL BAN
ON CARRYING FIREARMS FOR SELF-DEFENSE IN ILLINOIS


The National Rifle Association is funding and supporting a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of Illinois' complete and total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home. The case, filed Friday, May 13, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is Shepard v. Madigan. The lead plaintiff is church treasurer Mary Shepard; joining her is the Illinois State Rifle Association, the NRA's state affiliate.
Mary Shepard is an Illinois resident and a trained gun owner with no criminal record, who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun in two other states. Because Illinois remains the only state that completely prohibits all law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home, Mary Shepard also became a crime victim. While working as the treasurer of her church, Mrs. Shepard and an 83-year-old co-worker were viciously attacked and beaten by a six-foot-three-inch, 245-pound man with a violent past and a criminal record. Mrs. Shepard and her co-worker were lucky to survive, as each of them suffered major injuries to the head, neck and upper body. Mrs. Shepard's injuries required extensive surgery and physical therapy.

H.R. 1865, THE RECREATIONAL LANDS SELF-DEFENSE ACT INTRODUCED:

Urge your Member of Congress to Cosponsor this Important Legislation--
On May 12, Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1865, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act, which is designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS:

NRA-ILA asks that you take a couple of minutes to watch the following salute to our troops. The special thank you message is brought to you by NRA Life of Duty, a network that serves and supports those who go to work each day to protect, defend and fight for the safety of the American people. You can watch the video tribute by clicking here.

NRA JOINS AMERICA IN THANKING OUR NAVY SEALS!!!

There are certain points in American history when time stops and everyone remembers where they were. Some of these are due to tragic events; others to extraordinary achievements.

URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2011:

Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.


BATFE REQUESTS COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION FOR PROPOSED MULTIPLE RIFLE SALES REPORTING RULE:

As we previously reported, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently republished its proposal to require firearm dealers to report multiple sales of various rifles. Compared to its initial request in December, which was rejected as an "emergency" request, the new notice clarifies that the proposed requirement would apply only to dealers in four southwestern states, and would apply only to semi-automatic rifles of a caliber greater than .22 (including .223) and that can use detachable magazines. The notice fails to address the NRA's comments, which pointed out that the agency has no legal authority to demand this information.


FOR CONCEALED CARRY TO BECOME A REALITY, THE NRA NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Due to popular demand for NRA-ILA's grassroots workshops, the NRA's state association Wisconsin FORCE has scheduled three more FREE Workshops to help secure the Right-to-Carry Concealed. It's time for Wisconsin to join free America!

STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 20 05/20/11


KEEPING AN EYE ON "TERROR WATCHLIST" LEGISLATION



Last week, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee rejected an amendment by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), which proposed to allow the Attorney General to disapprove the NICS check of a person who has been placed on the FBI's secret "terrorist watchlist." Similar legislation has been introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.).
The NRA opposes all of these proposals for a variety of reasons, chiefly that they propose to deny a constitutionally protected, fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms without due process of law. While some of the proposals pretend to allow a person to appeal his watchlisting in court, the proposals would prevent the watchlisted person or his lawyer from examining and challenging the government's "evidence," the accused would not be entitled to a trial by a jury of his peers, and the judge would not be allowed to examine the government's evidence in full.

URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2011:

Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

BATFE REQUESTS COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION FOR PROPOSED MULTIPLE RIFLE SALES REPORTING RULE:

As we previously reported, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently republished its proposal to require firearm dealers to report multiple sales of various rifles. Compared to its initial request in December, which was rejected as an "emergency" request, the new notice clarifies that the proposed requirement would apply only to dealers in four southwestern states, and would apply only to semi-automatic rifles of a caliber greater than .22 (including .223) and that can use detachable magazines. The notice fails to address the NRA's comments, which pointed out that the agency has no legal authority to demand this information.


URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR AND SUPPORT H.R. 1093--The "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform Act":

In March, Reps. Steve King (R-Iowa) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1093, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform Act." The bill would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. This bipartisan bill is a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.


A SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS: NRA-ILA asks that you take a couple of minutes to watch the following salute to our troops.

The special thank you message is brought to you by NRA Life of Duty, a network that serves and supports those who go to work each day to protect, defend and fight for the safety of the American people. You can watch the video tribute by clicking here.


NRA JOINS AMERICA IN THANKING OUR NAVY SEALS!!!

There are certain points in American history when time stops and everyone remembers where they were. Some of these are due to tragic event; others to extraordinary achievements.


STATE ROUNDUP

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 21 05/27/11


Gun Ownership Skyrockets, While Violent Crime Drops…Again



This week, the FBI estimated that the number of violent crimes decreased 5.5 percent from 2009 to 2010, including a 4.4 percent decrease in the number of murders. Because the U.S. population increased during the period, the figures imply that the total violent crime per capita rate and the murder rate decreased more than six percent and five percent, respectively. Based upon the preliminary data, it appears that violent crime fell to a 37-year low and murder fell to a 47-year low. The FBI will report final figures for 2010 later this year.
We’re repeating ourselves, but, as has been the case for quite a while, the decrease in crime coincided with an increase in the number of privately owned guns—particularly handguns and detachable magazine semi-automatic rifles. For example, Americans bought over 400,000 AR-15s in 2009, and trends in AR-15 sales over the last few years suggest a similar number for 2010.
Those who have followed the gun control issue for a few years probably have noticed that with crime declining and gun numbers rising year after year, gun control groups have all but abandoned their previously perennial claims that more guns equal more crime. Even their friends in the news media don’t believe it anymore. The Violence Policy Center and, breaking with past habit, the Brady Campaign didn’t even try to claim that the decrease in crime in 2010 was attributable to gun control.


FBI OVERBOARD ON SUSPICIOUS CUSTOMER WARNING?:

Since the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is responsible for enforcing federal gun laws, dealers and other federal firearm licensees typically contact that agency (or state or local police) when they encounter suspicious customers. So, it raised eyebrows when the FBI began circulating flyers in gun shops and ranges, encouraging owners of those businesses to report suspicious customers to “your local Joint Terrorism Task Force” instead. The flyers first appeared in Connecticut, with a revised version appearing more recently in Utah.


OHIO COUNTY COURT DECISION STRIKES DOWN CLEVELAND’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL GUN ORDINANCES:

This week, the Cuyahoga County Court struck down the City of Cleveland’s scheme of restrictive gun laws still on the books despite Ohio law, which clearly prohibits such municipal gun ordinances. The Court ruled in favor of gun owners in the National Rifle Association-supported case of Buckeye Firearms Foundation, Inc. v. City of Cleveland.


AMICUS BRIEF FILED BY NRA IN NINTH CIRCUIT APPEAL CHALLENGING SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S RESTRICTIVE CCW POLICIES:

On Monday, May 23, 2011, the CRPA Foundation and a number of San Diego residents had attorneys from Michel & Associates, PC file their opening brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in their appeal seeking to overturn a U..S. district court ruling from December 10, 2010 that upheld San Diego Sheriff William Gore’s restrictive and unfair policies in issuing permits to carry concealed firearms. The case is Peruta v. County of San Diego. (See the Opening Brief here).


H.R. 1865, THE RECREATIONAL LANDS SELF-DEFENSE ACT:

Urge your Member of Congress to Cosponsor this Important Legislation—As we previously reported,on May 12, Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1865, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act, which is designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.


URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2011:

Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

STATE ROUNDUP

Make Plans to Attend Massachusetts GOAL Banquet on June 18 with Special Guest Wayne LaPierre

On Saturday, June 18, the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) will hold its Summer Banquet with special guests NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and Cam Edwards, the voice of NRANEWS.com. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn in Boxborough. Doors open for the banquet at 5:00 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices start at $40 each. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please click here.

This alert is posted at: http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6900.

Anti-Gun Bills to be Heard in Massachusetts Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hear fifteen firearm-related bills on Tuesday, June 21, at 1:00 p.m. More specifically, this committee will hear anti-gun legislation regarding one-gun-a-month, handgun projectile regulations, requiring insurance policies for persons with concealed carry licenses, and micro-stamping. A full listing of all fifteen bills on the agenda will be available on Monday, June 20, but these four are certain.

Senate Bill 1202, sponsored by state Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), would make it a crime to purchase or sell to the same person more than one firearm or “large capacity weapon” in a thirty-day period. The punishment for a first offense in violation of such gun rationing for both the retailer and the purchaser would be up to a $5,000 fine and/or two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Senate Bill 1234, sponsored by state Senator James Timilty (D-Walpole), would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell or possess a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.

House Bill 665, sponsored by state Representative Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. (D-Cambridge), would require all concealed carry applicants to present a complete list of every handgun owned along with a certificate of insurance verifying that the applicant has a valid insurance policy insuring against any harm or damage that might arise out of the use of each firearm on said list. The insurance policy would need to be in the amount of at least $250,000.

House Bill 1561, sponsored by state Representative David Paul Linsky (D-Natick), would require all firearms of new manufacture to bear serial numbers permanently inscribed on a visible metal area with the serial numbers being kept on record by the manufacturer. In addition, all semi-automatic firearms would be required to micro-stamp ammunition by mechanically stamping a code that would imprint the make, model and serial number onto the cartridge case when the gun discharged.

If you are able, please attend this hearing to show your support for our Second Amendment freedoms. Also, please contact members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and urge them to OPPOSE S.1202, S.1234, H.665 and H.1561. Contact information for this committee can be found here.

This alert is posted at: http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6925.

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 26 06/24/11

WISCONSIN STATE LEGISLATURE
PASSES LANDMARK RIGHT-TO-CARRY LEGISLATION

Both chambers of the Wisconsin state legislature have voted to approve one of the nation's strongest Right-to-Carry bills, by solid bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 93, which was strongly backed by NRA, now goes to Governor Scott Walker (R) for his expected signature. When signed, it will leave Illinois as the only state that provides no way for citizens to carry concealed firearms for self-protection outside their homes or places of business.
"For more than a decade, NRA has fought for Right-to-Carry in Wisconsin. That perseverance and determination has paid off. Now, Wisconsinites are one step closer to being able to defend themselves outside their homes," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "Thanks to the actions of a bipartisan majority of state legislators, honest people who choose to get a permit will be less vulnerable to criminal attacks outside their homes. NRA is grateful for the unwavering leadership of Senators Pam Galloway, Rich Zipperer and Neal Kedzie, Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder and Representative Jeffrey Mursau who fought for the passage of Right-to-Carry in Wisconsin."

GIVING UP THE HELMKE -- Brady President to Step Down:

Back in 2006, we reported that "transition" seemed like a good word to describe the Brady Campaign's trials and tribulations over the years. Based upon focus group polls, the group changed its moniker from Handgun Control, Inc., to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, but that change in semantics didn't achieve the desired results. The group then hired former Maryland Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Barnes as its President, which again turned out to be a big flop, as during Barnes' tenure, the group suffered a series of legislative and political losses. The group then tried to "right the ship" and appear "mainstream" by hiring former Ft. Wayne, Ind. mayor, Paul Helmke -- a Republican -- as its new president (though at the time of Helmke's hiring, it was reported that 93 percent of the Brady campaign's previous donations to political candidates went to Democrats).

FAST AND FURIOUS UPDATE:

Congressional hearings on BATFE's Fast and Furious program paused last week, after revealing how straw purchasers were allowed to buy up to 2,500 guns for Mexican drug cartels and walk away freely, over the objections of BATFE agents in the field. The pause may be brief, however. A spokesman for Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which conducted the hearings, said early this week that "The investigations are far from over."

OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK -- "Impartial" Journalist Turns Activist:

A recent article by Chad D. Baus featured on the Buckeye Firearms Association website examined the biased, unethical, and unprofessional practice of "advocacy journalism" as it relates to the gun debate. Bias in the media -- especially when it concerns the Second Amendment and "gun control" -- is certainly not a new concept, but the article describes one of the most blatant cases we've seen to date.


URGE YOUR U.S. SENATOR TO SIGN SEN. MORAN'S LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OPPOSING THE UN ARMS TRADE TREATY:

NRA will be in full attendance at the UN's Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) "Preparatory Committee" meeting in New York, July 11-15. The so-called "Prep. Com." will be laying the ground work for a final negotiation session in 2012. NRA's message will be simple and strong – an ATT which in any way, shape or form affects the constitutional rights of American gun owners is simply unacceptable. Civilian firearms must not be within the scope of an ATT. There will be no compromise on this crucial point.

STATE ROUNDUP

]NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 28 07/08/11

Obama Administration Plans New Gun Control

As we pass the six-month anniversary of the tragic Tucson shooting, multiple press reports indicate the Obama administration is planning to unveil new, but unspecified, gun control initiatives.
At a Thursday briefing, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said, "As you know, the President directed the Attorney General to form working groups with key stakeholders to identify common-sense measures that would improve Americans' safety and security while fully respecting Second Amendment rights. That process is well underway at the Department of Justice with stakeholders on all sides working through these complex issues. And we expect to have some more specific announcements in the near future."
Carney provided no further details on the initiatives, but he isn't the only one saying something is in the works. According to a related article on NPR.org, U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) said, “I have spoken to the president. He is with me on [gun control], and it's just going to be when that opportunity comes forward that we're going to be able to go forward.” And longtime anti-gun activist Sarah Brady has said that in March, the president told her “I just want you to know that we are working on [gun control] ... We have to go through a few processes, but under the radar.”
Rest assured we'll report any significant developments in the weeks ahead.


WISCONSIN GOVERNOR SCOTT WALKER SIGNS HISTORIC RIGHT-TO-CARRY LEGISLATION INTO LAW:

On July 8, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox joined Governor Scott Walker (R) as he signed the Wisconsin Personal Protection Act into law. This makes Wisconsin the 49th state to give law-abiding citizens an option to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection.


“FAST AND FURIOUS”: BATFE DIRECTOR STARTS TALKING, WHILE WASHINGTON POST KEEPS SPINNING:

Some of the firearms straw-purchased in Arizona for Mexican drug cartels, and allowed to “walk” by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Operation Fast and Furious, may have been paid for with taxpayer money, by paid informants of the Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI, according to Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

NRA TO ATTEND U.N. ARMS TRADE TREATY NEXT WEEK--Urge Your U.S. Senator To Sign Sen. Moran's Letter To The President Opposing The U.N. Arms Trade Treaty:

NRA will be in full attendance at the UN’s Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) “Preparatory Committee” meeting in New York, next week (July 11-15). The so-called “Prep. Com.” will be laying the ground work for a final negotiation session in 2012. NRA’s message will be simple and strong – an ATT which in any way, shape or form affects the constitutional rights of American gun owners is simply unacceptable. Civilian firearms must not be within the scope of an ATT. There will be no compromise on this crucial point.

GRASSROOTS NEWS MINUTE VIDEO:

[video=youtube;ERbct9-nvNc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERbct9-nvNc[/video]

STATE ROUNDUP (Click To See State Updates)

Obama Administration Approves

Illegal Multiple Sales Reporting Requirement

On Monday, the Justice Department announced that it will proceed with a controversial reporting procedure that will require federally licensed firearms retailers in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of semi-automatic rifles.

Last fall, the reporting procedure was proposed as an “emergency" measure by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The procedure specifically calls for all of the firearm retailers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to report multiple sales, or other dispositions, of two or more .22 caliber or larger semi-automatic rifles that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine and that are purchased by the same individual within five consecutive business days. For example, a dealer would have to tell the government every time a deer hunter in Sacramento or Amarillo finds a good deal on a pair of semi-auto .30-06s like the popular Remington 7400.

The BATFE has no legal authority to demand these reports, and the flood of new paperwork (BATFE estimates 18,000 reports per year) will waste scarce law enforcement resources that should be spent on legitimate investigations.

Deputy Attorney General James Cole said in the DOJ statement that this new reporting measure “will improve the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to detect and disrupt the illegal weapons trafficking networks responsible for diverting firearms from lawful commerce to criminals and criminal organizations.”

As anyone who watches the news is aware, the BATFE has recently come under intense scrutiny due to its involvement in, and handling of, the ill-conceived and ill-fated “Fast and Furious” operation. "Fast and Furious" was a part of the five-year-old "Project Gunrunner" program and encouraged Arizona gun stores to sell thousands of guns to suspicious buyers, despite objections from dealers and BATFE field agents alike.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) called the new policy "the height of hypocrisy," and said the Obama administration is restricting the gun rights of border state citizens "when the administration knowingly and intentionally allowed guns to be trafficked into Mexico.” Smith went on to say, “Limiting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens is not going to solve the problem."

Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on and passed, by a vote of 277 to 149, an amendment to H.R. 1 offered by Reps. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and Dan Boren (D-Okla.) that prohibits the use of federal funds for the reporting scheme.
Unfortunately, the amendment was not included in the final version of the bill as a result of Senate inaction. In March, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) introduced legislation (S. 570) “to prohibit the Department of Justice from tracking and cataloguing the purchases of multiple rifles and shotguns." The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for a multiple sales reporting scheme proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Please contact your Senator and encourage him or her to cosponsor S. 570 to stop this blatant abuse of power. You can reach your Senators at (202) 224-3121 or send them an e-mail by clicking here.

Commenting on the DOJ announcement, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox said, “$40 billion transnational criminal enterprises don't fill out paperwork and are not deterred by paperwork violations. This is a blatant effort by the Obama administration and ATF to divert the focus of Congress and the general public from their gross incompetence in the 'Fast and Furious' scandal. This scheme will unjustly burden law abiding retailers in border states. It will not affect drug cartels and it won't prevent violence along our borders. The BATFE and the Administration lack the statutory authority to do this and the NRA will file suit as soon as BATFE sends the first demand letters.”