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Statement By NRA Chief Lobbyist, James J. Baker, On The Decision By The 5th Circuit Court Of Appeals

Wednesday, October 17, 2001

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is gratified by the decision of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that clearly reaffirms the accurate interpretation of the Second Amendment; that it protects the right of individuals to privately possess and bear their own firearms.

This is clear corroboration of what reputable historians and constitutional scholars have said consistently; that the Second Amendment, like other rights, is an individual right designed to protect rights of the people, not to expand the powers of government. The Court’s clear rejection of “collective rights” theories should put an end to further politically charged efforts by special interest groups to undermine the clear intent of our founders as expressed in the Bill of Rights.

The Emerson case represented the culmination of years of efforts by the Clinton-Gore Administration to undermine Americans’ Second Amendment rights. When the Clinton Justice Department argued in the 5th Circuit that there is no individual right, we took that argument to America’s millions of gun owners to underscore the stakes of Election 2000. And they denied Al Gore the White House because of it.

Now, our client -- the Second Amendment -- has had its day in court. And the Second Amendment has emerged victorious as well. NRA members and all of America’s law-abiding gun owners can be equally proud of this victory as they were in helping elect a pro-Second Amendment President and Vice-President last November.

Read the court`s decision

 

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Virginia: Legislature Adjourns from 2026 Session; Anti-Gun Bills on Governor's Desk

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Virginia: Legislature Adjourns from 2026 Session; Anti-Gun Bills on Governor's Desk

On Saturday, March 14th, the Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die from the 2026 legislative session, and the future of the Commonwealth hangs in the balance. 

Michigan Red Flag Report Sheds Light on Confiscation Orders in Practice

News  

Monday, March 16, 2026

Michigan Red Flag Report Sheds Light on Confiscation Orders in Practice

This month, Michigan’s judicial branch published the 2025 edition of its annual report on the state’s Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (red flag gun confiscation order statute). 

Canada Spending $25K+ per Gun Confiscated from Non-Criminals; 0 Lives Saved

News  

Monday, March 16, 2026

Canada Spending $25K+ per Gun Confiscated from Non-Criminals; 0 Lives Saved

More proof (as if any was needed) has emerged that the Canadian gun ban and confiscation is a massive administrative, practical and economic debacle.

Virginia: Semi-Auto Ban Heads to Governor Spanberger's Desk

Monday, March 9, 2026

Virginia: Semi-Auto Ban Heads to Governor Spanberger's Desk

Yet another piece of anti-gun legislation has made it out of the General Assembly and is on its way to Governor Spanberger.

Colorado: "FFL-Killer" Bill in House Committee on Monday

Friday, March 13, 2026

Colorado: "FFL-Killer" Bill in House Committee on Monday

On Monday, March 16th, the House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 26-043, the FFL-Killer bill.

By George! Washington, D.C.’s Magazine Ban Invalidated by District’s Highest Court

News  

Monday, March 9, 2026

By George! Washington, D.C.’s Magazine Ban Invalidated by District’s Highest Court

Even as its formerly more liberty-loving neighbor, Virginia, goes down the tyrannical path of unconstitutional bans on firearms and magazines, residents of the nation’s capital last week gained a measure of relief from the District’s ...

California: Public Safety Committees Set to Hear Multiple Firearm Bills

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

California: Public Safety Committees Set to Hear Multiple Firearm Bills

On Tuesday, March 17th at 8:30 AM, the Assembly Committee on Public Safety will hear Assembly Bill 1753 pertaining to gun violence restraining orders and Assembly Bill 1948, extending the validity concealed carry permit. Additionally ...

Tennessee: Senate Floor Vote Tomorrow

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Tennessee: Senate Floor Vote Tomorrow

On Thursday, March 12th, the Senate is expected to vote on SB 3050, protecting tenants Second Amendment rights. Please contact your Senator and urge them to SUPPORT SB 3050 by using the TAKE ACTION button below.

Minnesota: Senate Judiciary Suppresses Opposition Testimony and Advances Gun Control Wish List

Monday, March 16, 2026

Minnesota: Senate Judiciary Suppresses Opposition Testimony and Advances Gun Control Wish List

On Friday, March 13th, the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee held a hearing on the gun grabbers wish list, including semi-automatic bans, magazine capacity limits, and concealed carry restrictions. 

Minnesota: Onslaught of Gun Control Bills Scheduled for Friday

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Minnesota: Onslaught of Gun Control Bills Scheduled for Friday

On Friday, March 13th, the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee will hold a hearing on the gun grabbers wish list, including semi-automatic bans, magazine capacity limits, and concealed carry restrictions. Please contact members of ...

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NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.