Fighting for the Rights of American Gun Owners

The Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the lobbying arm of the NRA. Established in 1975, ILA is committed to preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

While NRA is a single-issue organization, ILA is involved in any issue that directly or indirectly affects firearms ownership and use. These involve such topics as hunting and access to hunting lands, wilderness and wildlife conservation, civilian marksmanship training and ranges for public use, law enforcement-related issues, product liability, trapping, crime victim rights and criminal justice reform.

ILA’s ability to successfully fight for the rights of America’s law-abiding gun owners directly reflects the support of NRA’s four million plus members — a number that has more than tripled since ILA’s inception. When restrictive gun control legislation is proposed at the local, state or federal level, NRA members and supporters are alerted and respond with individual letters, faxes, e-mails and calls to their elected representatives to make their views known.

ILA is also involved in educating the public about the facts concerning the many facets of firearms ownership in America. This is accomplished through the distribution of printed fact sheets, brochures and articles, as well as daily postings on ILA’s website and social media outlets.