Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN Legal & Legislation

Supreme Court Sends Chicago Case Back To Lower Court

Saturday, March 1, 2003

On Wednesday, February 26, the Supreme Court of the United States vacated a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit that would have allowed the city of Chicago access to information regarding gun manufacturers, dealers, and purchasers as part of the city’s reckless lawsuit against the firearms industry. City attorneys, as part of Chicago’s nuisance lawsuit, had demanded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) turn over information through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. BATFE complied by supplying some data, but withheld certain information to protect the privacy of some individuals (as authorized by FOIA Exemption 6, 18 US Code Sec. 552(b)(6)) and to protect against interference in ongoing investigations and preserve the safety of federal, state, and local agents—as well as witnesses and informants—involved in such investigations (as authorized by FOIA Exemption 7, 18 US Code Sec. 552(b)(7)).

When the 7th Circuit sided with the city of Chicago, BATFE appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court—a move that was supported by both NRA and law enforcement. But before the Supreme Court could hear arguments, Congress acted on the issue. U.S. Representative George Nethercutt (R-Wash.) offered an amendment to the 2003 Treasury-Postal appropriations bill prohibiting the BATFE from expending funds to compile and disclose information on firearm manufacturers, dealers, and purchasers. In light of this, the Supreme Court vacated the 7th Circuit’s ruling, and instructed the court to "consider what effect, if any" the actions of Congress have on the case.

It is because of the relentless attempts by anti-gun extremists and big-city mayors to promote their gun-ban agenda through the reckless abuse of our judicial process that one of NRA’s top priorities during this congress remains the passage of federal legislation that will prohibit these predatory lawsuits. We had tremendous success last year gaining support for bills in the House and the Senate, but time ran out before either could be given full consideration. The House bill (H.R. 2037) ended up with 231 cosponsors, more than a majority of Representatives, while the Senate’s version (S. 2268) ended up with 46 cosponsors, which is almost a majority. Thirty-one states have enacted similar legislation. Please contact your U.S. Representative and both of your U.S. Senators and urge them to support and cosponsor federal reckless lawsuit preemption legislation that will bring an end to this unwarranted harassment of law-abiding gun manufacturers. You can reach your U.S. Representative by calling (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. Senators by calling (202) 224-3121. For additional contact information, use our "Write Your Representatives" tool.

TRENDING NOW
NRA Scores Legal Victory Against ATF; “Pistol Brace Rule” Enjoined From Going Into Effect Against NRA Members

Monday, April 1, 2024

NRA Scores Legal Victory Against ATF; “Pistol Brace Rule” Enjoined From Going Into Effect Against NRA Members

NRA Members Among the Largest Class Protected from Draconian Rule

With a Stroke of the Pen, Biden ATF Criminalizes Tens of Thousands of Private Firearm Sellers

News  

Friday, April 12, 2024

With a Stroke of the Pen, Biden ATF Criminalizes Tens of Thousands of Private Firearm Sellers

We have long been warning of the rule the Biden ATF has been preparing to redefine who is considered a firearm “dealer” under U.S. law.  The administration’s explicit objective was to move as close to so-called “universal background ...

Colorado: Semi-Auto Ban Passes House and "Sensitive Places" Expansion to be Heard in Committee

Monday, April 15, 2024

Colorado: Semi-Auto Ban Passes House and "Sensitive Places" Expansion to be Heard in Committee

On Sunday, HB24-1292 the semi-auto ban, received final passage in the House and has been transmitted to the Senate where it awaits a committee assignment. 

Joe Biden Seems to Hate Cannons as Much as He Hates the Truth

News  

Monday, April 15, 2024

Joe Biden Seems to Hate Cannons as Much as He Hates the Truth

For quite some time, we’ve talked about Joe Biden and his gift for gaffes. Whether it is him losing battles with his teleprompter, his train of thought spectacularly derailing, forgetting which politicians have passed away, or simply mumbling ...

Maine: Only One Vote Needed to Kill Waiting Periods

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Maine: Only One Vote Needed to Kill Waiting Periods

If you want to save your Second Amendment rights in Maine, you need you to act NOW. After lengthy debates, the House and Senate passed 72-hour waiting periods by only ONE VOTE in each chamber.

Maine: Contact the Governor and Urge Her to Veto All Gun Control Bills!

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Maine: Contact the Governor and Urge Her to Veto All Gun Control Bills!

After a nearly 24-hour marathon legislative session, the Maine House and Senate finally adjourned until "Veto Day" in the coming weeks. 

ATF Trafficking Report Reiterates Futility of “Universal” Background Checks

News  

Monday, April 15, 2024

ATF Trafficking Report Reiterates Futility of “Universal” Background Checks

So-called “universal” background checks were back in the news last week. The Biden administration and the regime press were promoting the impression that ATF’s new “engaged in the business” rule closed the non-existent “gun show ...

Invisible Crime and Other “Simple Realities”

News  

Monday, April 15, 2024

Invisible Crime and Other “Simple Realities”

Viewers were reminded of the disturbing disconnect between the Biden Administration and everyday Americans on seeing Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation, interviewed on television not too long ago.

Iowa: Pro-Second Amendment Legislation Headed to the Governor's Office

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Iowa: Pro-Second Amendment Legislation Headed to the Governor's Office

This week, House File 2586 and House File 2464 received final passage the House and will now be transmitted to the Governor Kim Reynold’s for her signature, joining House File 2556 that was passed last week. These bills ...

Colorado: Three Anti-Gun Bills Advance - Contact Representatives Now!

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Colorado: Three Anti-Gun Bills Advance - Contact Representatives Now!

Last night, the Colorado general Assembly continued its attempts to whittle down Second Amendment protections in Colorado. Two anti-gun bills, House Bill 24-1349 and House Bill 24-1353, passed the House Appropriations Committee and have advanced to the House floor, ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

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.