NRA-Backed Wicker Amendment Adopted By Senate
During consideration of H.R. 3288 (FY 2010 Transportation--Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill), Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) offered NRA-backed Amendment 2366 to reform policies regarding the transportation of firearms on Amtrak trains. Currently, passengers who choose to travel by passenger rail in the United States cannot transport a firearm in checked baggage as they can on airlines.
Known as the Wicker Amendment, this measure was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, September 16, by a vote of 68-30, and would allow law-abiding Amtrak passengers the ability to securely transport firearms in their checked baggage while traveling by Amtrak train.
Wicker offered a similar amendment to a budget resolution on April 2. That NRA-supported amendment was adopted by the Senate by a 63-35 vote. Unfortunately, the amendment did not survive the conference committee and was not included in the final budget resolution.
“Americans should not have their Second Amendment rights restricted for any reason, particularly if they choose to travel on America's federally subsidized rail line,” said Wicker.
Wicker’s appropriations amendment would cut more than $1.5 billion in taxpayer funding to Amtrak if the railroad does not change its policy to allow passengers to securely transport firearms in checked baggage. The policy change would also broaden gun owners’ choices in choosing how to travel, and benefit Amtrak by encouraging more business from shooters and hunters.
“Sportsmen who would like to use an Amtrak train for hunting trips cannot do so because they are not allowed to bring a firearm in checked luggage, something that is done every day at airports across our country,” Wicker said during floor debate.
Many Mayors Hear Your Voice: Grassroots politics is alive and well in the United States, as gun owners have been making their voices heard to their mayors. In the past few weeks, gun owners have been contacting their mayors who joined New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun group, Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG).
The result: MAIG has lost over 50 members because gun owners took action to tell their mayors the truth about this organization. Many of the mayors who have resigned from MAIG have indicated they were unaware of the full extent of their anti-gun agenda. They now know they were mislead by MAIG’s claims that it was only concerned with “illegal” guns.
In response to NRA-ILA’s efforts to inform voters and mayors regarding the truth about MAIG and its anti-gun agenda, Bloomberg’s group has contacted mayors repeating their claim that they are only concerned with “illegal” guns, claiming that NRA is misrepresenting their agenda. But the facts are clear.
MAIG has never taken any direct action regarding illegal guns. (Click here to read more about MAIG.) All of their priorities, from repealing the Tiahrt amendment, to opposing interstate Right-to-Carry reciprocity, have been targeted at law-abiding gun owners. Law enforcement groups, like the Fraternal Order of Police, have made their support for the Tiahrt amendment clear. The Tiahrt amendment protects not only ongoing criminal investigations, but also the lives and safety of law-enforcement officers. (To read what FOP President Chuck Canterbury wrote on the Tiahrt amendment click here.)
The real reason MAIG opposes the Tiahrt amendment is because it interferes with the efforts of anti-gun mayors like Bloomberg, Boston’s Thomas Menino (a MAIG co-founder), and Chicago’s Richard Daley to bring bogus lawsuits against lawful firearm manufacturers. These suits are designed to punish gun makers for the acts of criminals, and to use the courts to impose strict regulations on gun sales that legislatures have rejected; gun regulations that negatively impact law-abiding gun buyers, but have no impact on criminals.
MAIG opposition to Right-to-Carry reciprocity is a clear example of their opposition to legal gun ownership and self-defense. Reciprocity would only apply to those who have permits, and then only if all local laws are followed. Criminals and gunrunners do not undergo background checks, take training courses, and seek certification to obtain a carry permit--law-abiding gun owners do.
Gun owners must keep up the pressure on their mayors to ensure that their rights are respected. If your mayor is a member of MAIG, contact him and let him know the truth about this anti-gun group’s real agenda. (To find if your mayor is a member of MAIG, click here.) If your mayor is one of those who has resigned, call and thank him for his support.
Clearing Up the Rumors: The Truth About The "Gun Tax Bill" Over the past few months, NRA-ILA has received hundreds of e-mails warning us about "SB-2099," a bill that would supposedly require you to report all your guns on your income tax return every April 15.
Like many rumors, there's just a grain of truth to this one. Someone is recycling an old alert, which wasn't even very accurate when it was new.
There actually was a U.S. Senate bill with that number that would have taxed handguns¾nine years ago. It was introduced by anti-gun Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and it would have included handguns under the National Firearms Act's tax and registration scheme. This has nothing to do with anyone's Form 1040, of course.
Fortunately, S. 2099 disappeared without any action by the Senate, back when Bill Clinton was still in the White House. We reported about it back then, just as we report about new anti-gun bills every week. Now, it's time for gun owners to drop this old distraction and focus on the real threats at hand.
To read a story by NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox on this and other rumors, please click here.
Triggering The Vote! With each election, Americans go to the polls and make decisions that affect—for better or worse—the future of freedom in America.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 72 percent (142 million) of the eligible voting age citizen population (197 million) were registered to vote in 2004. This means that as many as 55 million people were eligible to vote, but unregistered—and therefore did not participate in the November 2004 elections. Far too many gun owners and hunters are among them. 
NRA has created a new affiliate, the NRA Freedom Action Foundation (NRA-FAF), which focuses on nonpartisan voter registration and citizen education. The NRA-FAF has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are fully deductible.
The NRA Freedom Action Foundation, in turn, has launched a new campaign—Trigger the Vote. And to serve as Honorary Chairman, we brought on board one of America’s most persuasive action heroes—Chuck Norris. Visit www.TriggertheVote.org to hear his message.
You can be part of the campaign. Visit the website, recommend it to friends—and use it to persuade any unregistered gun owners, hunters or shooters you may know to get on board by registering to vote.
Visit www.TriggertheVote.org today—and Trigger the Vote in your community.
2009 Gun Rights Policy Conference: This year’s Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 25, 26, & 27, at the Airport Renaissance hotel. The theme of this year’s conference is “Challenges Ahead.”
Celebrating its 24th year, the conference is a great place to meet national gun rights leaders and your fellow grassroots activists. This year’s conference promises to be action-packed, with more than 50 notable speakers, including NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. Discussion topics will include city gun bans, youth violence, “smart” guns, concealed carry, federal legislation, legal actions, gun show regulation, and state and local activity. There will also be a preview of upcoming court cases and a review of the U.S. Supreme Court Heller Decision.
Registration, conference books and materials, receptions, and a Saturday luncheon, are free. Participants are required to pay for their own lodging, travel, and other meals. For more information, or to register for this year’s GRPC, please call (800) 426-4302, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PDT, or visit www.saf.org/default.asp?p=GRPC, to register on-line.
Grassroots Minute Video:
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.”)
CALIFORNIA: Two Anti-Gun Bills Head to Governor’s Desk in California On Friday, September 11, the California Assembly passed Assembly Bill 962 by a 44 to 31 vote. AB962 now joins Senate Bill 585 on the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) where they await his consideration. Please contact the Governor immediately and respectfully urge him to veto these bills. AB962 would require individuals purchasing ammunition to be fingerprinted and registered at the time of sale, and mandates that dealers keep these records and make them available for inspection by the California Department of Justice. Ammunition retailers would also have to store ammunition in such a manner that it would be inaccessible to purchasers. Finally, mail order ammunition sales would be prohibited under AB962. Over 20 years ago, Congress abolished similar requirements because ammunition sales records were found to be useless for solving crimes. AB962 is a dire threat to our Second Amendment rights in the Golden State. SB585 would prohibit the sale of firearms and ammunition on the property or inside the buildings that comprise the Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside of San Francisco. SB585 is a stepping-stone to banning gun shows on all publicly-owned property in California. Please contact Governor Schwarzenegger TODAY and respectfully urge him to veto AB962 and SB585. The Governor can be reached by phone at 916-445-2841 or via fax at 916-558-3160. To e-mail Governor Schwarzenegger, please visit http://gov.ca.gov/interact. 
MICHIGAN: Workplace Protection and Campus Carry Introduced in Michigan! In an effort to strengthen workers’ rights in Michigan, a number of pro-gun bills (HB5302, HB5303, SB792, and SB793) were introduced that would protect workers’ rights to lawfully store their personally-owned firearms in their vehicles, while prohibiting an employer from retaliating against an employee who exercises his or her rights. Also introduced this past week was Senate Bill 747. This legislation would allow permit holders who are at least 21 years old to carry a concealed firearm on college and university campuses by removing these locations from the list of prohibited places. At this time no action is required.
MISSSISSIPPI: NRA License Plates Now Available! Support your NRA by purchasing a specialized tag today! NRA license plates are now available through your county tax collector's office. The cost is $31, with $24 of that going to the NRA Foundation State Account to promote firearms training, youth hunter education, shooting range development and other programs specifically in Mississippi.
For a list of county tax collectors and office locations, please visit
http://www.mstc.state.ms.us/info/offices/mvlinfo.htm
MISSOURI: Warren County Commission to Consider New Outdoor Youth Shooting Range on Monday, September 21! On Monday, September 21, the Warren County Commissioners will consider allowing a new outdoor youth shooting facility to be constructed. If approved by the Commissioners, the new range will be located in the southern part of Warren County and will provide new opportunities for youth-oriented shooting sports in the area. This range will give young, novice shooters the opportunity to learn proper firearm safety, hone their skills, and exercise their Second Amendment freedoms in a safe, controlled environment. The vote will take place at 2 p.m. at 107 W. Walton St. in Warrenton. Gun control advocates are actively pressuring commissioners to oppose the proposed shooting range. The Warren County Commissioners need to hear from NRA members TODAY! Please contact Warren County Commissioners Arden Engelage, Hubert Kluesner, and Dan Hampson at (636) 456-3045 and respectfully voice your support for the youth shooting range. Email addresses can be found here. Also, please try to attend the Monday, September 21 meeting and show your support.
OREGON: Opportunity to Expand Hunting Programs in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it will begin to draft a plan for the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge that will guide refuge management for the next 15 years. The 187,000-acre refuge located 
in Harney County is one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country. Waterfowl hunting is available on approximately half of Malheur Lake and upland bird hunting is available on approximately one quarter of the refuge. One of the issues that the Service will be addressing is the adequacy of access and facilities for all of the wildlife dependent uses, like hunting and fishing, and opportunities to expand these programs. The Service is inviting comments from the public to gather suggestions and information on the scope of the issues to consider during the planning process. Comments are due by October 15, and can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Include "Malheur CCP" in the subject line of the message. Public meetings will be held and announced on the refuge's website at http://www.fws.gov/malheur. For further information you may call 541-493-2612. It is important that those who hunt and fish in the refuge become active participants in the planning process to ensure that sportsmen's interests are well represented in the plan that will be drafted.
TENNESSEE: Knoxville to Consider Removing Firearm Ban in Parks! On Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m., the Knoxville City Council will finally vote on an ordinance that would remove the long-time ban on firearms within city parks. Please contact the Mayor and members of the City Council and urge them to support efforts to overturn the current gun ban in city parks. If you are able, please attend the City Council Meeting in support of our Second Amendment rights. Citizens will be given the opportunity to speak. Please get there early! Mayor Bill Haslam can be reached by calling (865) 215-2040 and Council Members can be reached at (865) 215-2075. The hearing will be held in the City Council Building, located on 400 Main Street.
Bartlett to Consider Opting out of New Park Carry law! On Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m., the Bartlett City Aldermen will meet to consider an anti-gun ordinance which would ban the possession of all firearms in local parks, even by those who possess Right-to-Carry permits. If passed, this ordinance would strip gun owners of their right to carry a firearm for self-defense in all Bartlett parks. The hearing will be held at Bartlett City Hall, located at 6400 Stage Road. It is vital that you not only make plans to attend this hearing but also contact Mayor Keith McDonald at (901) 385-6444, and the City Alderman at (901) 385-6444, and voice your opposition to this ordinance that would eliminate your right to self-defense in local parks.
Knox County Attempting to Opt Out of New Park Carry Law On Monday, September 28, at 2:00 P.M, .the Knox County Commissioners will be hearing a resolution to opt-out of carrying firearms in county parks. The meeting will be held at the City County Building located at 400 Main Street in Knoxville. Please call 865-215-2534 in advance to be placed on the list to speak at the meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact County Mayor Mike Ragsdale at 865-215-2005 and the County Commission at 865-215-2534 to voice your opposition to the resolution. You can also e-mail the Commissioners at [email protected].
TEXAS: State Representative Dan Flynn to Host Town Hall Meeting on Monday, September 28 NRA members in Hunt, Rains & Van Zandt counties are encouraged to attend an upcoming town hall meeting for State Representative and strong Second Amendment supporter, Dan Flynn (R-2). The event is being hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition, a conservative caucus of members of the Texas Legislature, and will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center, 5501 South Business Highway 69, in Greenville. Two key NRA-backed bills did not pass during the 2009 legislative session: a proposal prohibiting employers from enforcing policies against hard-working Texans who store firearms in their locked motor vehicles while parked at work, and a measure allowing Concealed Handgun Licensees to protect themselves on college and university campuses. Rep. Flynn co-sponsored both bills, but House leaders failed to set either of them for a timely vote by the full House. This is your chance to personally thank Rep. Flynn for his support and to urge him to push House leaders for a floor vote on both issues next session! If you plan to attend the meeting, please RSVP to [email protected].
VIRGINIA: Please join your fellow Virginia freedom-lovers at “An American Event”, to be held on Saturday, September 26, at Ritchie Lake Pavilion in Bealton. Gates open at 11:00 a.m., with events commencing at 1:00 p.m. The event will include activities for all age groups, including Colonial and World War II military encampments, vintage military air show, pony rides, moon bounce, monster trucks, live music, free food, surprise speakers and more. If you are interested in donating food, time or energy, please contact the organizers at 703-537-5445 or [email protected]. Monetary donations will be given to aid wounded soldiers. With Virginia being one of only two states holding elections this year, your NRA-ILA Campaign Field Representative, Greg Mortensen, will be in attendance working NRA-ILA's voter registration kiosk and discussing how you can get more involved in our efforts to elect pro-gun candidates to office this year. Greg can be reached at: [email protected] or 571-292-4796.
Reloading Clinics: Are you looking for a way to beat the high prices of ammo or are you having trouble finding your favorite ammo in stock at your local gun shop? The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA), the Official State Affiliate Association of NRA, has the answer. VSSA will be hosting reloading clinics around the Commonwealth starting in September. There will be clinics for both metallic shell reloading and shotgun shell reloading. The courses are designed to enable shooters with little or no prior experience in reloading to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to produce safe, consistent, and accurate reloaded ammunition. The clinics will be held at the Gander Mountain stores in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and Winchester. For more information on cost and dates, go to http://www.myvssa.org/reloading.htm, or e-mail Dave Myers at [email protected]. Class sizes are limited so register today!
WISCONSIN: State Senate Scheduled to Vote on Hunting Reform Bill! On Tuesday, September 22, the Wisconsin State Senate will vote on Senate Bill 243, which would repeal the current requirement that bow hunters wait at least three days after buying their hunting license before they begin hunting. This important reform legislation would remove a burdensome hurdle that negatively affects local and visiting hunters alike in the Badger State. Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support SB 243. You can contact your Senator by phone at (608) 266-9960. To find out who your State Senator is and for more contact information click here.
