NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 24 06/10/11
HEARINGS SCHEDULED, SUBPOENAS TO BE
ISSUED IN "PROJECT GUNRUNNER" INVESTIGATION
The ongoing and escalating investigation into the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' "Project Gunrunner" program has ratcheted up another notch this week as it was reported that subpoenas will soon be issued to federal officials associated with this controversial program.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, will issue the subpoenas in yet another attempt to find out if "Project Gunrunner" contributed to the killing of a Border Patrol agent. Rep. Issa's committee has also announced that two hearings on this disastrous operation will be held next week (Monday from 1:00 -- 3:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 9:30 -- 11:30 a.m.).
"Fast and Furious" was a part of the five-year-old "Project Gunrunner" program that encouraged border-state dealers to sell thousands of guns to suspicious buyers, even after suspecting these buyers were working for Mexican drug cartels.
MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS UPGRADE WEAPONRY AGAIN: Fresh on the heels of reports that Mexico's drug cartels have been acquiring military-grade weapons from Central America, the Washington Post, believe it or not, has published new information further undercutting the notion that a "lack" of U.S. gun control laws is the cause of problems south of the border.
GUN BAN GROUPS SEIZE ON AL-QAEDA THREAT: Anti-gun groups have been quick to exploit last week's al-Qaeda video in which Adam Gadahn, an American-born militant on the FBI's "Most Wanted Terrorists" list, calls on followers in the United States to buy firearms and attack major institutions and public figures.
BRADY CAMPAIGN…NEW CHAMPION OF THE TENTH AMENDMENT: For more than 30 years, the Brady Campaign has demanded that the federal government impose gun bans, ammo bans, waiting periods, gun registration -- you name it -- with no regard for the states. In 1994, when the group was called Handgun Control, Inc., it said that its main "goal" was to "enact a comprehensive federal gun control policy."
NEW STUDY RANKS FREEDOM IN THE STATES: New York is the least free state overall, and Maryland is least free in terms of personal freedom, according to a new study by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The study, Freedom in the 50 States, rated the states according their fiscal policies, regulatory policies, and laws relating to economic and personal freedom. Where each state stands on 30-plus gun laws accounted for 6.67 percent of its total freedom score and accounted for the second highest percentage among 12 categories related to "paternalism," which included economic and personal freedom.
SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2010 NRA-ILA VOLUNTEER AWARDS: The NRA-ILA "Jay M. Littlefield Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award" is an annual honor that recognizes an NRA member who demonstrates exceptionally meritorious activism in defense of our Second Amendment rights. Similarly, the "NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the Year Award" is bestowed upon a group that has gone above and beyond in defending and promoting our rights over the past year. Nominations for these honors for last year (2010) should be submitted to: NRA-ILA Volunteer Awards, c/o Krista Cupp, NRA-ILA Grassroots Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030. Nominations may also be faxed to Krista at (703) 267-3918, or e-mailed to kcupp@nrahq.org. All nominations must be submitted by NRA members in good standing and be accompanied by a one-page description of why the nominee is deserving. Winners will be selected by NRA-ILA staff and will be acknowledged at this Fall's NRA Board of Directors Meeting. The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2011.
"VETERANS' HERITAGE FIREARMS ACT" NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT: U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) are urgently seeking cosponsors for the "Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act" -- S. 798 in the Senate and H.R. 420 in the House.
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.
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.
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).
GRASSROOTS NEWS MINUTE VIDEO: To view this week's "Grassroots News Minute" video, please click here:
STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.)
For additional information, please click on the links provided.
CALIFORNIA: BB Gun Bill to be Heard in Assembly Public Safety Committee
On Tuesday, June 14, the Assembly Public Safety Committee is scheduled to hear Senate Bill 798, which would require the entire exterior surface of all air and BB guns to be brightly painted. Please contact members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee and urge them to oppose SB 798.
Open Carry Ban Bill Passes California Senate Public Safety Committee
Unfortunately, the California Senate Public Safety Committee sided with the anti-gun extremists and passed Assembly Bill 144, the open carry ban bill on June 7. This bill now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee. It is crucial that you contact members of the Senate Appropriation Committee TODAY and urge them to oppose AB 144.
DELAWARE: Legislation Attacking Gun Shows Could Soon be Sent to the Senate Floor!
While not officially released from the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Bill 39 could be approved individually by committee members and sent to the Senate floor at any time. If enacted into law, Senate Bill 39 would ban all private sales at Delaware gun shows. It is important that you continue to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to vote against Senate Bill 39 should it be brought to the Senate floor for consideration!
Gun Rights Restoration Bill Goes to the Governor!
After passing in the state Senate on May 31, House Bill 48 was returned to the House of Representatives for concurrence due to a slight technical amendment adopted in the Senate. On June 2, the state House suspended its rules, brought HB 48 to the House floor and passed it by a wide margin. With the House's concurrence, HB 48 will now be sent to the Governor for his approval. This legislation updates Delaware state law to meet the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act and repeals the state instant check.
ILLINOIS: Senate Passes Firearm Owners Identification Card FOIA Exemption Bill!
On May 20, the state Senate passed House Bill 3500, which would ensure that the personal information of those who have applied for or received a Firearm Owners Identification Card shall not be disclosed. HB 3500 now goes to Governor Pat Quinn (D) for his consideration. Please contact Governor Pat Quinn and urge him to sign HB 3500 into law.
LOUISIANA: Non-Contiguous Purchase Bill Sent to House Floor
On June 8, the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice unanimously passed Senate Bill 39 by a voice vote, sending it to the House floor for consideration. SB 39 would clarify that Louisianans may purchase a long gun in any state, and allow a citizen of any other state to purchase a long gun in Louisiana, so long as both states allow such purchases. Please contact your state Representative today and respectfully urge him or her to support SB 39 on the House floor.
Hunting Included in Plan for Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a plan that will direct the management of the Atchafalaya Refuge for the next fifteen years. The 44,000-acre Refuge is one of eight refuges managed as part of the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Three options for managing the refuge are addressed in the plan. Alternative A is the current management plan and serves as the basis for comparing Alternatives B and C. In all three options, hunting opportunities will continue and be managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as part of the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area.
The public comment period for the plan is open until June 23rd and comments may be emailed to tina_chouinard@fws.gov. The plan is posted online at: http://southeast.fws.gov/planning under "Draft Documents." For further information, you may call Ms. Chouinard at 731-432-0981.
MAINE: Self-Defense Legislation Goes to Governor
On June 8, the state Senate passed Legislative Document 35, NRA-backed self-defense legislation, sending it to Governor Paul LePage (R) for approval. LD 35 would prohibit an employer from banning an employee with a valid concealed firearms permit from keeping a firearm in the employee's vehicle as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible. Please contact Governor LePage and urge him to sign into law LD 35.
MASSACHUSETTS: Make Plans to Attend Massachusetts GOAL Banquet on June 18 with Spe...
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.
MISSISSIPPI: Rankin County Board of Supervisors Repeals Portion of County Ordinance that Created "No Hunting Zones"
During the 2010 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, the NRA worked with representatives of the Mississippi Forestry Association, state Senator Tommy Gollott (R-Biloxi) and state Representative Bo Eaton (D-Taylorsville) to include language in the conference committee report on Senate Bill 2857 that prohibits counties from regulating the discharge of firearms or weapons outside platted subdivisions. In response to continued input from local NRA members, sportsmen and landowners, and to conform with state law, the County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously at their June 6 meeting to repeal the "no hunting zone" portions of the ordinance which apply to the discharge of firearms or bows outside platted subdivisions.
MISSOURI: Firearm Reform Bill Still Waiting for Governor Jay Nixon to take Action
On May 13, House Bill 294 was passed in the Missouri General Assembly and sent to Governor Jay Nixon (D) for his signature. House Bill 294 is a comprehensive firearm reform bill that would address a number of Right-to-Carry issues important to Missouri's law-abiding gun owners. Please contact Governor Jay Nixon and ask him to sign HB 294 into law!
NRA License Plates May Soon be Available in the Show-Me State!
On May 13, the Missouri General Assembly gave final approval to a transportation bill that includes provisions for a new National Rifle Association license plate. House Bill 430 will soon go to the Governor for his consideration. Should the Governor sign this legislation, NRA members will finally have a personalized license plate in the Show-Me State! The NRA will keep you informed as to when the NRA license plates may become available.
NEVADA: 2011 Legislative Session a Win for Nevada Gun Owners
The 2011 Nevada Legislature adjourned on June 6 with a number of pro-gun bills advancing during the 120-day session. Governor Brian Sandoval (R) signed a number of bills, including one that will simplify the purchase of long guns as provided under federal law, as well as another that will simplify the concealed weapons permit process and protect applicant's personal information. Thank you to all who contacted their elected officials this session.
NORTH CAROLINA: Important Firearms Legislation Being Stalled in the Senate!
As the end of the 2011 legislative session is quickly approaching, the NRA continues to work diligently to protect your Second Amendment rights in Raleigh. However, Senate Bill 594, an emergency powers bill, has been stalled since its introduction. Even though this legislation is of great importance to law-abiding gun owners, the Senate Republican leadership is currently preventing S 594 from being considered, even telling Senate colleagues not to offer this language as an amendment to other firearm-related bills. Time is running out - it is critical that you act quickly and let your state Senator know how important this legislation is. Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to convince Senate leadership to bring S 594 to the Senate floor.
TEXAS: NRA-Backed Employee Protection/Parking Lot Legislation Goes to Gove...
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Texas House and Senate approved the conference committee report on Senate Bill 321. SB 321 now goes to Governor Rick Perry (R) for his signature! This NRA-backed employee protection/parking lot legislation would prevent employers from enacting and enforcing policies prohibiting employees from storing firearms in their locked private motor vehicles while parked at work. Please contact Governor Perry's office to thank him for his past support and urge him to sign SB 321 into law.
WISCONSIN: Personal Protection Act Goes to Senate and Assembly Floors
After more than a decade of work to secure the right to carry concealed handguns for self-defense in Wisconsin, success is finally within reach. Under the newly amended Senate Bill 93, Wisconsin will finally join 47 others that issue concealed weapons licenses. Floor votes on SB 93 are expected next week! It is now time to make your voice heard one more time in this long battle to secure your freedoms. No matter how many times you have contacted your state legislators in the past, you must do so again. Contact your state Representative and state Senator and ask them to support SB 93.
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