DOJ Inspector General Proposes Multiple Sales Reports On Long Guns
As we noted in the Sept. 24, 2010 Grassroots Alert, a draft report prepared by the Justice Department Inspector General had called into question the BATFE’s mega-million-dollar Project Gunrunner program. Established in 2007, this program sought to expand the agency’s firearm tracing operation, relative to the still uncertain amount of smuggling of firearms from the United States to Mexico. This week, the report appeared in final form.
Like the draft, the final report notes that despite Project Gunrunner’s lavish funding, the program suffers because the BATFE fails to coordinate with its own people, with those of the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, and with Mexican officials.
“We also found no routine sharing of firearms trafficking-related information and techniques between ATF intelligence personnel in Southwest border locations and in the ATF Mexico Country Office,” the report says. “ATF and ICE do not work together effectively on investigations of firearms trafficking to Mexico. . . . ATF does not systematically and consistently exchange intelligence with its Mexican and some U.S. partner agencies.”
Veterans Day: This week, we celebrated Veterans Day. For some, Veterans Day represents a day off from work. For others, it’s not even a holiday…it’s just another weekday. And for yet others, the day recalls a passing awareness of significance, but not much beyond that.
But for the true American patriots among us, the day evokes a very deep and personal reverence. It combines elements of pride and sadness, and—always—respect. It is a sacred day, set aside to remember service, honor, bravery, duty, and sacrifice for the greater good. It is a day to remember those who served and are serving, so that we may enjoy the life and the freedom we have today.
For all those brave men and women that Veterans Day honors, we say “thank you” for your sacrifice and your service to our great country.
2010 Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium: The 2010 "Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium" will be held tomorrow, Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. This event will be sponsored by The NRA Foundation and the John Marshall Law School chapter of the Federalist Society.
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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: Waterfowl Hunting at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is developing a plan that will shape management of the 32,000-acre Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. Located in Imperial County, CA, the Refuge was created as a sanctuary and breeding ground for birds and other wildlife. Among allowable public uses on the Refuge is waterfowl hunting. The Service is seeking comments from the public on what issues, concerns, and opportunities should be addressed in the plan. Comments are being accepted until December 4th, and can be emailed to the Refuge Planner at [email protected]. Please include “Sonny Bono Salton Sea CCP” in the subject line of the message. Information about the planning process may be found at http://www.fws.gov/saltonsea/. You may also call the Refuge Planner at 760-431-9440 ext. 349 for further information. It is vitally important that access to federal lands be preserved and where possible, expanded. NRA would appreciate waterfowl hunters taking a few minutes time to submit comments to the Refuge in support of waterfowl hunting at this Refuge.
OHIO: Ohio Lame-Duck Session in Question, Two Important Pro-Gun Bills Hang in Jeopardy! Before the summer recess, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 239 and Senate Bill 247. These bills are now before the House of Representatives for consideration. However, because of the November elections, which resulted in the change of party power, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives recently announced the possible cancellation of the November lame-duck voting schedule, thus killing both pro-gun initiatives. SB239 would eliminate the current confusing standards of carrying a firearm in a motor vehicle. In addition, the proposal would allow permit holders to carry a firearm for self-defense in a restaurant that serves alcohol, provided they are not consuming, thus eliminating another “victim zone” in Ohio. SB247 would clarify and bring Ohio’s statutes for the restoration of firearm rights in line with current Federal law. Please contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge your legislator to demand that the Democratic Leadership reconvene the House of Representatives and return to the “people’s business.” Contact information for your State Representative can be found by clicking here.
PENNSLYVANIA: “Castle Doctrine” Could Be Voted on Monday, November 15! On Wednesday, November 10, Speaker Keith McCall (D) announced that votes will be taken on unfinished business on Monday, November 15. Please contact your State Representative immediately and urge him or her to ask the Speaker to bring House Bill 1926 up for a vote and to vote for concurrence on HB 1926. HB 1926 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted, this law would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used. It is critical that you contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to have HB 1926 brought up for a vote AND to vote for concurrence on HB 1926. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
