"NICS IMPROVEMENT AMENDMENTS ACT" NOT GUN CONTROL!
Last week, when the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 2640, "The NICS Improvement Amendments Act," by a voice vote, some gun owners were confused as to the exact scope and effect of this proactive reform bill. Let's look at the facts.
H.R. 2640 provides federal funds to states to update their mental health records, to ensure that those currently prohibited under federal law from owning a gun because of mental health adjudications are included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). For many years, NRA has supported ensuring that those who have been adjudicated mentally incompetent are screened by the NICS.
In several ways this bill is better for gun owners than current law. Under H.R. 2640, certain types of mental health orders will no longer prohibit a person from possessing or receiving a firearm. Examples are adjudications that have expired or been removed, or commitments from which a person has been completely released with no further supervision required. Also excluded are federal decisions about a person's mental health that consist only of a medical diagnosis, without a specific finding that the person is dangerous or mentally incompetent. The latter provision addresses very real concerns about disability decisions by the Veterans Administration concerning our brave men and women in uniform. Remember that one of the Clinton Administration's last acts was to force the names of almost 90,000 veterans and veterans' family members to be added to a "prohibited" list. H.R. 2640 would help many of these people get their rights restored. H.R. 2640 will also require all participating federal or state agencies to establish "relief from disability" programs that would allow a person to get the mental health prohibition removed, either administratively or in court. This type of relief has not been available at the federal level for the past 15 years.
This legislation will also ensure -- as a permanent part of federal law -- that no fee or tax is associated with a NICS check -- a NRA priority for nearly a decade! While NRA has supported annual appropriations amendments with the same effect, those amendments must be renewed every year. This provision would not expire. H.R. 2640 will also mandate an audit of past spending on NICS projects to determine if funds were misused in any way.
It is also important to note what H.R. 2640 will not do. This bill will not add any new classes of prohibited persons to NICS, and it will not prohibit gun possession by people who have voluntarily sought psychological counseling or checked themselves into a hospital for treatment.
So why the confusion?
First and foremost, the national media elite is irate that NRA has been able to roll back significant portions of the Clinton Administration's anti-gun agenda and pass pro-active legislation in Congress and in many states. They are desperate to put a "gun control" spin on anything they can. The only real question here is -- given the media's long-standing and flagrant bias on the gun issue -- why are some gun owners suddenly swallowing the bait?
Second, some people simply do not like the NICS. In 1993, Congress passed the Brady Act, including a mandatory five-day waiting period, over strong NRA opposition. Due to NRA's insistence, that waiting period was allowed to sunset in 1998, once the NICS was up and running nationwide. Now that the NICS is in place, it makes sense to ensure that this system works as instantly, fairly, and accurately as possible.
Also troubling to many is the fact that Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) is a cosponsor of the bill. Carolyn McCarthy is among the most anti-gun Members of Congress. She has introduced another bill, H.R. 1022, which represents the most sweeping gun ban in history. But Rep. McCarthy is not the only co-sponsor of H.R. 2640. She was joined by some of the most pro-gun members of the House of Representatives in crafting this bill, including John Dingell (D-Mich.), Rick Boucher (D-Va.), and Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). A few years ago, when Congress passed a bill allowing airline pilots to be armed, one of the lead sponsors was anti-gun Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Ca.). Sen. Boxer's support of that legislation did not cause gun owners to oppose it.
Finally, some people have asked why the bill passed on a voice vote. The reality is that there's nothing unusual about passing a widely supported bill by voice vote. Even so, the House rules allow any House member to request a recorded vote on any issue, and in practice, those requests are universally granted. Despite having that option on the floor, no representative asked for a roll call on this bill.
H.R. 2640 is now pending in the Senate. Rest assured that if the anti-gunners use this legislation as a vehicle to advance gun control restrictions, NRA will pull our support for the bill and vigorously oppose its passage!
(For additional information, please click here: /Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?id=219&issue=018.)
BLOOMBERG HATES TO MISS A PARTY: In a surprise announcement this week, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) took a step toward a possible 2008 Presidential run when he renounced his affiliation with the Republican Party and declared himself an Independent.
SOUTHERN STATES PBA SUPPORTS TIAHRT AMENDMENT: The Southern States Police Benevolent Association (PBA) recently sent a letter of support to U.S. Representative Tiahrt (R), the sponsor of the amendment.
YOUR ACTION NEEDED ON TWO IMPORTANT ANTI-HUNTING MEASURES! A "Polar Bear Protection Act" rider, offered by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), was adopted yesterday by the Senate Appropriations Committee to the Interior appropriations bill.
This appropriations rider would prohibit the use of federal funds to issue permits for the importation of trophies of polar bears legally taken from healthy populations in Canada. Stand-alone bills H.R. 2327 and S.R. 1406 would do the same thing. Sportsmen's groups have sent a letter to Congress urging them to consider the facts and not support this bill on its emotional appeal. While few hunters ever have the opportunity to pursue polar bears, all sportsmen must have their voices heard in this critical matter because this is simply one more step in the anti-hunting lobby's effort to incrementally ban all hunting. If they are allowed to prevail regarding the emotional ban on polar bear imports, they will move on to more commonly hunted game.
Also, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) included a provision in the Interior appropriations bill that will result in the overturning of current law and assure the extermination hundreds of healthy elk and mule deer on Santa Rosa Island, off the coast of California. Siding with environmental extremists, Feinstein claims that the Kaibab deer and Roosevelt elk on Santa Rosa Island are destroying natural vegetation and thus, should be indiscriminately exterminated. The Feinstein-sponsored provision would repeal language offered by Representative Duncun Hunter (R-CA) that was enacted into law last year.
Santa Rosa Roosevelt elk and Kaibab mule deer are unique and invaluable, as they are free from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and other ailments that threaten the species on the mainland. Forty miles of Pacific Ocean offer them a sanctuary from disease. The healthy and thriving herds can be used as breeding stock to repopulate in case of disaster on the mainland.
The NRA, Safari Club International, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and other sportsmen organizations are fighting these provisions as they make their way through Congress. Please contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to oppose theses provisions.
Because the Interior appropriations bill will be considered in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday, it is critical that you also call your U.S. Representative immediately, and urge him or her to oppose any amendment imposing restrictions on the importation of polar bear trophies or any measure that would result in the extermination of Kaibab deer and Roosevelt elk on Santa Rosa Island.
For contact information for your elected officials, you can use the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org, or you can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224 3121, and your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.
CONTRIBUTE TO NRA-ILA AND RECEIVE DISCOUNTED THEME PARK TICKETS! Thanks to the generosity of Anheuser-Busch, NRA-ILA has the opportunity to make available a limited number of single-day passes to one of the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks in the United States. These passes are valid through April 2008, and are good for a one-day adult or child admission into SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio or San Diego; Busch Gardens or Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; Busch Gardens or Water Country USA in Williamsburg.
To make a contribution and get your tickets, please visit https://secure.nraila.org/buschgardens.aspx.
(Contributions to NRA-ILA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Income tax purposes.)
SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2006 NRA-ILA VOLUNTEER AWARDS: The "Jay M. Littlefield Memorial NRA-ILA 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 the call of duty in defending our freedom over the past year. Nominations for the 2006 honors should be submitted to: NRA-ILA Volunteer Awards, c/o Suzanne Anglewicz, NRA-ILA Grassroots Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030. Nominations may also be faxed to Suzanne at (703) 267-3918, or e-mailed to [email protected]. 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 13, 2007.
STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
CALIFORNIA: Senate Hearing Scheduled for California Microstamping Bill! Assembly Bill 1471 has been scheduled for a committee hearing in the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 26. Please contact the members of the Senate Public Safety Committee and respectfully urge them to oppose AB1471. Contact information for the committee can be found by clicking here. AB1471 would require that after a certain date, the make, model, and serial number be micro-stamped onto the interior surface or internal working parts of all handguns in such a manner that those identifiers are imprinted onto the cartridge case upon firing.
California Lead Ammunition Ban Scheduled for Hearing! On Tuesday, June 26, the Senate Natural Resources Committee will hear Assembly Bill 821, which would ban the use of lead ammunition for hunting in various hunting zones around the state that incorporate California condor range. Please contact the members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee today and respectfully urge them to protect California's rich hunting tradition by opposing AB821. Contact information for the committee members can be found by clicking here.
Senator Simitian to Hold Public Meeting on Mandatory Spay or Neuter Bill! On Saturday, June 23, Senator Joe Simitian will hold a public hearing to discuss AB 1634, which would require that all dogs be spayed or neutered unless owners acquire an "intact permit" from their local government. This legislation threatens to keep hunters and other dog owners from making decisions based upon their own personal circumstances. It will prevent hunters from continuing the tradition of occasionally breeding their favorite dog in order to provide other hunters with good dogs and defray some of the costs associated with caring for their animals. The hearing will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Palo Alto City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, in Palo Alto. To RSVP or to get further information, please call Senator Simitian's Palo Alto district office at (650) 688-6384.
Sacramento City Council Considering Anti-Gun Ordinances! The Sacramento City Council is still considering two anti-gun ordinances and could vote on them any day. The first ordinance would require that the purchaser of ammunition be subject to unnecessary forms, fingerprinting, and a background check for every retail purchase. The second ordinance would dictate that a lost or stolen firearm must be reported to law enforcement within 48 hours of the discovery that the firearm is missing. Please contact Mayor Heather Fargo and the Sacramento City Council and respectfully urge them to oppose these unwarranted anti-gun measures. For contact information for the Mayor and the City Council, please click here.
COLORADO: Ouray County Commissioners Proposing Noise Ordinance That Will Ban Recreational Shooting! An ordinance is being considered by the Ouray County Board of Commissioners that would restrict noise levels to a maximum of 55 decibels (db) and 50 db at night. Normal conversation is about 60 db. This ordinance would effectively ban anyone from target shooting on his or her own property, because they would violate the decibel levels emanating beyond property boundaries. The hearing for Ordinance 07-01 and 07-02 is set for Monday, June 25 at 2:00 pm. It will be held at the Ouray County 4-H Event Center located at 22739 Hwy. 550 in Ridgway. Please make plans to attend this hearing and voice your opposition to this attack on our Second Amendment rights. If you are unable to attend, please contact the members of the County Board of Commissioners at (970) 325-7320 and respectfully urge them to defeat Ordinance 07-01 and 07-02.
Hunting and Recreational Shooting Restrictions Proposed on BLM Land! Hunting and recreational shooting is being targeted by the Bureau of Land Management in south central Colorado near Salida. If you hunt, target shoot, use motorized vehicles, hike and/or camp on these public lands, the proposal will affect you. It is important that BLM hear from you. The management plan and information on how to submit comments can be found at: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/travel_mgmt/arkansas_river_travel0.html
DELAWARE: Delaware "Emergency Powers" Bill Referred Back to House! House Bill 175 passed the State Senate on Thursday, June 14 and now heads back to the House for concurrence next week. This bill would protect our Second Amendment rights by prohibiting any government agency from confiscating or regulating the lawful sale, possession, transfer, transport and carry of firearms during a state of emergency. Please contact your State Representative at (302) 744-4087 and ask him or her to defend your Second Amendment rights by supporting HB 175.
Delaware Bill to Allow Handgun Hunting Heading to House Floor! Senate Bill 93, legislation allowing hunters to hunt with a handgun instead of a shotgun during the regular shotgun season, is heading to the House floor for a vote. Please contact your State Representative at (302) 744-4087 and respectfully urge him or her to support SB 93.
MASSACHUSETTS: "One-Gun-A-Month" Bill Still Looming In Massachusetts! House Bill 3991, filed by Governor Deval Patrick (D), is still pending in the Judiciary Committee. This proposal would prohibit law-abiding Massachusetts gun buyers from purchasing more than one firearm per month. Please contact the Judiciary Committee members today and respectfully urge them to oppose H 3991 and any other proposal that limits the rights of lawful gun owners. Also, please contact Governor Patrick and politely ask him to withdraw this anti-gun legislation. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
MICHIGAN: "No-Net-Loss" Legislation Heading to Senate Floor! House Bill 4597, "No-Net-Loss" legislation, is heading to the Senate floor for consideration. This bill will protect Michigan's valuable hunting tradition by ensuring that today's total acreage of public hunting lands is not reduced. Please contact your State Senator at (517) 373-2400 and respectfully urge him or her to pass HB4597 to protect Michigan's hunting heritage.
Please Voice Your Opposition to Potential Hunting Fee Increase! The Michigan legislature is currently considering legislation to raise the fees on hunting licenses in Michigan. Michigan currently ranks last in the country in hunter retention rates. If House Bill 4624 were to pass, this sad distinction would only be solidified. HB4624 seeks to double and triple hunting license fees over the next four years. Please attend the upcoming meeting of the Appropriations Natural Resources Committee and voice your opposition to this unfair assault on our hunting tradition. The meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 25 at 4:00 p.m. in the St. Ignace Public Library, W. Spruce Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781. If you are unable to attend, please contact your State Representative at (517) 373-6339 and let him or her know that you oppose HB4624.
MISSOURI: Missouri's "Hunting Heritage Protection Act" Being Undermined! In its June 2007 monthly newsletter, the Missouri Municipal League (MML) urged all cities that do not currently have restrictions on hunting and the discharge of firearms to enact such an ordinance prior to the August 28 effective date of Senate Bill 225, the "Hunting Heritage Protection Areas Act." Primarily, SB225 protects Missouri's critical wildlife habitat and sport shooting areas within the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers 100 year flood plain by prohibiting both tax incentives for development projects and the ability of localities to enact any ordinance that restricts hunting and lawful discharge within the protected areas. In doing so, this important legislation will protect irreplaceable wildlife habitat for current and future generations of sportsmen. Please be sure to monitor your city government's meeting and agenda announcements and alert NRA-ILA of any proposal that seeks to restrict hunting and sport shooting. Please forward any information to Kris Koenen at [email protected] or (703) 267-1209.
MONTANA: Montana Governor Signs Budget Bill with Range Development & Improvement Monies Included! The Montana legislature passed and Governor Brian Schweitzer signed legislation which includes $1 million for range development and improvements. This is the largest amount of money ever to be set aside for this purpose. Please call Governor Schweitzer and thank him for supporting Montana's shooting. Governor Schweitzer can be reached at (406) 444-3111 or via email by clicking here.
NEW JERSEY: Bill to Reorganize Fish & Game Council Heads to Assembly Floor! A3275, a bill that seeks to drastically change the membership of the Fish & Game Council from six sportsmen and three farmers who represent various geographical regions of the state to seven political appointees recommended by the Governor, is now heading to the full Assembly. The bill passed the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee by a 5-2 vote on Thursday, June 14. Animal "rights" extremists testifying in support of A3275 derided hunting as a "15th century" means to wildlife management and touted this legislation as a "21st century" tool for wildlife management. They also expressed their desire to rid the Fish & Game Council of anyone with a "hunter driven background." Please contact your State Assembly member at (800) 792-8630 and respectfully urge him or her to vigorously oppose this anti-hunting legislation. To identify your Assembly member, please click here.
NEW YORK: New York State Legislative Update On Thursday, June 21, the New York State Assembly's 2007 legislative session came to a close. NRA was able to make advances and preserve the Second Amendment in the Empire State. However, the legislature failed to act on numerous pro-gun and pro-hunting measures. Though the legislature has recessed and is tentatively not scheduled to return for the remainder of the year, it is possible that they could come back to Albany as early as July to deal with "unfinished business." We will be sure to keep you posted of their comings and goings.
NEVADA: Nevada Governor Signs Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Legislation! Governor Jim Gibbons (R) signed Senate Bill 237 on Friday, June 15. Effective on Monday, October 1, SB237 will allow Nevada to negotiate Right-to-Carry reciprocity agreements with states whose training standards match its own. Thank you to all NRA members who contacted their legislators in favor of SB237. Without your assistance, this victory would not have been possible.
OREGON: Oregon Governor Signs Youth Mentor Hunting Legislation! In a move directed at protecting the future of Oregon's rich hunting tradition, Governor Ted Kulongoski (D) signed Senate Bill 892, legislation establishing a program whereby a youth between the ages of nine and fourteen may hunt for big game with a mentor who is a licensed hunter and over 21 years of age. Thank you for all of your calls and emails in support of SB892. Without you, passage of this important bill would not have been possible.
PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania "Landowner Liability Protection Act" Awaiting Action on Senate Floor! House Bill 13, the "Landowner Liability Protection Act," is headed to the Senate floor and could be voted on any time this week. This bill would make certain that landowners who allow public hunting access without charging a fee incur no liability for property damage or personal injuries caused by hunters -- regardless of whether the damage occurs on or off the landowner's property. Please contact your State Senator TODAY at (717) 787-5920 and urge him or her to support this crucial piece of legislation.
