PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS
"PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT"
Landmark NRA Victory Now Law
On Wednesday, President George W. Bush signed into law the NRA-backed "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" (S. 397) to end politically motivated lawsuits designed to bankrupt law-abiding American firearm manufacturers and retailers. S. 397 passed both chambers in Congress with broad bipartisan support.
"This is an historic day for freedom. I would like to thank President Bush for signing the most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years into law. History will show that this law helped save the American firearms industry from collapse under the burden of these ruinous and politically motivated lawsuits," said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.
In late July, the U.S. Senate approved the measure 65-31. Last week, the U.S. House overwhelmingly passed the bill 283-144. The new law is a monumental victory for NRA and its members.
"What we witness today is the culmination of a seven-year effort that included a comprehensive legislative and election strategy," stated NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "We had to work hard to change the political landscape to allow for passage of this landmark legislation. As always, our members were up to the task. It was key electoral victories in 2000, 2002 and 2004 that helped pave the way for passage of this law.
"The Bush administration was a vital ally during debate on Capitol Hill. I would also like to thank Senators Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Congressmen Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) for doing a yeoman's job as lead co-sponsors of this legislation. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senate Republican Conference Chairman Rick Santorum (R-Penn.) ought to be commended for their steadfast leadership during Senate deliberations," added Cox.
In recent years, 33 states have passed similar legislation outlawing reckless lawsuits intended to bankrupt the gun industry. However, this new law creates judicial uniformity in all courts across the United States.
"This law will help preserve the American firearms industry and also help preserve American manufacturing jobs. American companies will cease to make products if they continue to be sued every time a violent criminal they do not know, have never met, and cannot control, misuses a legal, non-defective product. This is a significant step toward saving millions of manufacturing jobs," concluded LaPierre.
VIRGINIA & NEW JERSEY ELECTION ALERT
In less than two weeks, on Tuesday, November 8, Virginia and New Jersey will hold elections. NRA members in these states are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms! And please be sure to urge your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to vote on November 8, as well.
For up-to-the-minute campaign information, and to see what you can do to help elect pro-Second Amendment candidates, members are strongly encouraged to visit the NRA-Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) website, www.NRAPVF.org. The site is loaded with all of the critical information you'll need to make informed decisions on Election Day, November 8. Included on the site are news stories, articles from NRA's magazines, NRA-PVF press releases, polling information, and a listing of NRA-PVF candidate grades and endorsements.
In addition, you will find our multimedia section-- www.nrapvf.org/Multimedia/Default.aspx --which houses easy-to-access ads that are suited for distribution among your fellow NRA Members! If you're already an NRA member, you will be able to visit the special "NRA Members Only" section with features exclusive to you. Simply log in with your NRA member number (the number is printed on your membership card and on the cover of your magazine). Once logged in, members will have special access to NRA-PVF screen savers and wallpaper, a convenient display of the candidate grades for your lawmakers, and a "Build Your Own e-Precinct" section.
NRA members who have not received NRA-PVF endorsement information should visit the website, or call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for additional candidate information. This information was also contained in the November issue of your NRA magazine.
Please be sure to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 8, and "Vote Freedom First!" by supporting the pro-Second Amendment candidates in your area. Your vote could make the difference!
NRA AND FREEDOM WIN AGAIN:
FEMA Changes Gun Policy in Temporary Housing Units in Louisiana
Following concerns raised by NRA, the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) has changed its policy regarding firearm ownership in temporary housing units, as storage and possession of firearms are no longer banned at FEMA temporary housing. FEMA officials notified NRA attorneys last weekend that FEMA is in the process of revamping firearms rules for temporary housing parks for all disasters, but that they were taking "immediate steps to address this (ban)" at the FEMA Park in Baker, La.
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre welcomed this move saying, "It is wrong to force citizens to give up their constitutional rights in order for them to get a needed federal benefit. Our constitutional rights must be preserved even in the face of a natural disaster, a pandemic, or a terrorist attack.
"The Second Amendment must never be the first casualty of disaster. The breakdown of law and order in the aftermath of a disaster is exactly the kind of situation where the Second Amendment was intended to allow citizens to protect themselves. After Hurricane Katrina hit, and lawlessness prevailed across the region, many victims depended on their guns for survival against the roving bands of thugs, looters and rapists."
NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox added: "NRA-ILA worked with FEMA authorities to help right this injustice. We're pleased that FEMA has formally changed its regulations nationwide on the possession and storage of firearms by law-abiding victims of disasters in their temporary housing parks. We're glad a potential lawsuit could be avoided."
The controversy erupted after the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Department asked FEMA to ban all firearms at temporary trailer shelters where victims of Hurricane Katrina were staying rent-free while they found permanent housing. NRA began working with FEMA officials to reverse this policy as soon as the directive was issued.
This is the second major victory for NRA and gun owners in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. Earlier, the New Orleans Police Department was ordered to cease and desist its gun confiscation operations by the United States District Court for the Eastern District in Louisiana. NRA is now working to review and modify language in emergency statutes in Louisiana and other states to ensure gun confiscations do not happen again.
"NRA-ILA will address this at the state and federal levels, and efforts are currently underway. The media images of lawlessness are the most compelling images to help us make this argument. When disaster hits, 911 is nonexistent. It is wrong for government to take away the only tool for survival--a lawfully owned firearm--that victims have under these circumstances," concluded Cox.
VISIT NRA-ILA WEBSITE DEDICATED TO DEFEATING PROPOSITION H--
SAN FRANCISCO GUN BAN
As you've been reading in the Grassroots Alert for months, on November 8, San Francisco voters will go to the polls to vote on Proposition H--a citywide gun ban. If Proposition H passes, it will become the most restrictive gun control law in the nation; even more restrictive than the egregious Washington, D.C., gun ban that NRA-ILA is currently working to overturn in Congress! The ordinance would ban residents from possessing any handgun and they would be forced to turn over their handguns within 90 days. The sale, manufacture, transfer, and distribution of all firearms would be prohibited!
To educate and mobilize Bay Area pro-gun supporters, NRA-ILA unveiled a website dedicated exclusively to exposing the truth about Proposition H. The website-- www.StopSanFranban.com --is designed to provide you with one-stop-shopping for the information and tools you will need to ensure Proposition H is defeated on November 8.
Among the many features at www.StopSanFranban.com are: information on the proposed ban; sample letters and tips for identifying and writing letters to the editor of area newspapers; information on the benefits of firearm ownership for self-defense and the ineffectiveness of gun bans in reducing crime; voter registration links; e-mail sign-up; and more.
Please be sure to visit www.StopSanFranban.com and then forward this link to your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners, both inside and outside of San Francisco, to ensure the collective voices of America's gun owners are heard loudly and clearly in the weeks leading up to, and especially on, November 8! Those of you who don't live directly in San Francisco, but reside nearby, should visit the site frequently for updates on what you can do locally to ensure this deplorable proposition is defeated.
Please visit www.StopSanFranban.com today to help us prevent San Francisco from becoming the next Washington, D.C.!
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(****For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. As always, thank you for your support.****)
FLORIDA
Earlier this week, Representative Mitch Needelman (R-31) announced the filing of House Bill 285, which will preserve the right of citizens to lawfully possess firearms during an officially declared state-of-emergency. HB 285 clarifies the authority of the governor during a declared emergency by asserting that "nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the seizure, taking, or confiscation of firearms that are lawfully possessed." This bill was filed to ensure that the unconstitutional stripping of citizens' rights does not occur during such state-of-emergencies as occurred in Louisiana. HB 285 has been filed for consideration in the 2006 Session of the Florida Legislature, slated to convene on March 7, 2006. Also this week, NRA past president Marion P. Hammer encouraged Floridians to get involved with Youth Hunting Programs. She stated, "Youngsters are our future and it's up to us to preserve our hunting heritage by helping get more youngsters involved." For information on how to assist in Florida's Youth Hunting Programs, please visit Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) youth hunting website at: myfwc.com/huntered/YouthHunter/
ILLINOIS
The Illinois General Assembly began its Fall Veto Session this week, and the Senate voted on Thursday to override Governor Rod Blagojevich's veto of SB 2104. This critical legislation would establish statewide standards for the lawful transportation of firearms, thus eliminating the confusing patchwork of regulations that currently exist. While it is simply common sense to eliminate the threat of law-abiding citizens accidentally running afoul of local anti-gun ordinances and restrictions while traveling to take part in lawful activities such as hunting or target shooting, anti-gun extremists in Illinois disagree. A group of lobbyists working for the City of Chicago, Cook County, Governor Blagojevich, and the gun-banners at the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) worked feverishly after the Senate's 38-20 override vote to try to diminish support for SB 2104 in the House. The Governor has even ordered the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to work against the interests of hunters and sportsmen by lobbying against SB 2104. A vote on this bill will be taken in the House next week, so it is imperative that all Illinois gun owners contact their State Representatives at (217) 782-8223 and ask them to vote to override the Governor's veto of SB 2104. In addition to SB 2104, the General Assembly has two more common-sense pro-gun bills to consider that were vetoed by Governor Blagojevich. The first, HB 340, would allow law-abiding gun owners who wish to trade one operating firearm for another to forgo Illinois's waiting period after successfully passing a background check. The second, SB 57, is a gun show bill similar to what was signed into law earlier this year, but which would also mandate the destruction of the database of lawful firearm transfers currently maintained by the Illinois State Police. In addition to contacting Representatives about SB 2104, gun owners need to contact both their State Senators and Representatives at (217) 782-2000 and ask them to vote to override the Governor's vetoes of HB 340 and SB 57.
NEW JERSEY
The 2005 New Jersey Black Bear Application deadline has been extended to Sunday, October 30. Please note that you may only apply via the Internet site, www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/. No paper applications are being accepted for the 2005 black bear season. If you know someone who would like to apply for a bear permit, but does not have Internet access, please remind them that free Internet access is available at any public library and many other locations. In order to apply for a black bear permit, you must select a zone in which you would like to hunt, and you may also need to register for a training seminar if you have not attended a seminar in a previous year. Registering for the required black bear training seminar, if not previously taken, is part of the online application process.
NEW MEXICO
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety has scheduled a public hearing on proposed rules to implement the 2005 legislative changes to the "Concealed Handgun Carry Act" (HB 641). Public comments will be taken on Tuesday, November 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the DPS Law Enforcement Academy Auditorium, located at 4491 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe. Visit www.dps.nm.org/faq/concealed_weapon.htm to obtain a copy of the proposed rules, or contact the DPS Special Investigations Unit at (505) 827-9097. Written comments must be submitted to Sharron Henderson, Department of Public Safety, Special Investigations Division, 4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628, no later than 5:00 p.m., on November 1. If you plan on attending the hearing and presenting verbal testimony or comments, it is strongly suggested that you also submit written comments at that time. NRA-ILA and our state affiliate, the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, are currently reviewing the proposed rules and may be submitting written comments, but individual NRA members and certified instructors are encouraged to participate as individuals in this process as well.
TEXAS
Lubbock-area NRA members are encouraged to attend pro-gun Representative Carl Isett's (R-84) town hall meeting this Saturday, October 29. The free "Coffee with Carl" event will take place from 9:00-11:00 a.m., at the Ramada Inn in Lubbock, located at 6624 I-27 (the corner of I-27 and South Loop 289). During the 2005 session of the Texas Legislature, Representative Isett sponsored and passed legislation reducing Concealed Handgun License (CHL) renewal fees for senior citizens. He has also been a leader in the movement to legalize the carrying of a handgun for protection in your vehicle without a CHL, which the Legislature took an important step toward with passage of HB 823 this session. Please make plans to attend and thank Representative Isett for his support and his work to protect our Second Amendment rights in the Texas Legislature. Also, on Saturday, November 5, "Students for the Second Amendment" and the "Collegiate Firearms Instructor Program" will host their third NRA Shooting Sports Camp, called "The Alamo City NRA Youth Sportsfest." The event will take place at the National Shooting Complex, in San Antonio, Tex. from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event has been designated an "NRA Day" event. For additional event information, please visit: www.sf2a.org/NRACamp2005.htm. "Students for the Second Amendment" is in need of individuals and groups who are interested in participating in this event as volunteers. Volunteers are needed on the various shooting ranges and fields. Additionally, a few dozen range officers are needed to assist the young shooters on the range. Official NRA certification is not necessary to participate. If you would rather help out in a different manner, volunteers are need to assist with cooking hot dogs and hamburgers for the attendees, helping at the NRA recruiting/information booth, as well as set-up the day before the event. Please come out and support the future of youth shooting and our future defenders of our most cherished rights. To volunteer your time or for more information, please contact Damaso Torres, Executive Director, "Students for the Second Amendment" and the "Collegiate Firearms Instructor Program," at (210) 674-5559, or via e-mail at [email protected].
WISCONSIN
After being denied by a single vote in the Assembly during the veto override session early last year, the citizens in Wisconsin are seeking another chance to make the Badger State the 39th state to respect the Right-to-Carry. Please attend the Joint Senate and Assembly Committee Hearing on Wednesday, November 2, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 411 South, of the State Capitol, in Madison. Testimony in support of the "Personal Protection Act" will be given by Texas State Representative Suzanna Hupp (R-54). If you cannot attend the hearing, please take a moment to call your State Senator and State Representative at (800) 362-9472 and ask them to support the "Personal Protection Act" by voting in favor of AB 763/SB 403.
