President Bush Signs NRA-backed “Disaster Recovery Personal Protection” Measure Into Law

Fairfax, VA- President George W. Bush signed into law the prohibition of confiscation of legal firearms from law-abiding citizens during states of emergency. This action became necessary following practices by local officials in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This new law was part of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

“I want to thank President George W. Bush for signing this vital measure into law,” declared Chris W. Cox. “The chaos and civil disorder our country witnessed in New Orleans after the city abolished the Second Amendment confirmed every law-abiding gun owner’s worst fear - that pervasive gun confiscations can happen right here in America. As promised, NRA set out to pass legislation at both the federal and state levels to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding American citizens.”

H.R. 5013, the “Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act,” was introduced in the House by Congressman Bobby Jindal (LA - 1) and passed the House on July 25, 2006 with a broad bi-partisan margin of 322-99.  Senator David Vitter (R-La) introduced the Senate version of the bill and an Amendment to Homeland Security Appropriations, which passed the United States Senate by 84-16, the largest margin of victory for a NRA-backed measure.

“The essence of the ‘Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act’ was so compelling that it received strong, bipartisan support in Congress,” continued Cox. “When 911 is non-existent and law enforcement personnel are overwhelmed with search-and-rescue missions and other emergency duties, law-abiding Americans must have legal protection to defend their families and loved ones in times of emergency. The NRA is honored to have helped guarantee this fundamental freedom.”

-NRA-

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.