HOLDER: "I FRANKLY DON'T KNOW"
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Project Gunrunner program was intended to stop the alleged flow of guns to criminals in Mexico. That didn't happen. Instead, the program may have facilitated the illegal smuggling of thousands of those guns, some of which actually turned up at the murder scene of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in December 2010.
As the probe into Project Gunrunner heats up, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Judiciary Committee want to determine if high-ranking officials in the Department of Justice knew about and approved Project Gunrunner. To that end, this week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was called to testify before both committees.
When questioned by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) on Wednesday, Holder said that he does not know how guns allowed to "walk" during the federal gun sting operation ended up at the U.S. Border Patrol agent's murder scene. "I frankly don't know," Holder said.
NRA JOINS AMERICA IN THANKING OUR NAVY SEALS!!! 
There are certain points in American history when time stops and everyone remembers where they were. Some of these are due to tragic event; others to extraordinary achievements.
On May 1, 2011, our brave Navy SEALS provided America with an historic event that will forever be seared in our memories: the killing of Osama bin Laden -- the mastermind behind the September 11 terrorist attacks on our nation.
The men and women of our military understand that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, and they live it every day. On May 1, they once again demonstrated why America is the greatest country in the world. The NRA salutes these American heroes.
To order a T-shirt, yard sign, or bumper sticker commemorating this historic event, please visit www.nrailasigns.org.
We hope that you will proudly wear the shirt, display the sticker on your car or truck, and place the sign in your yard or business.
NRA-ILA will donate proceeds from every purchase to the Navy Seal Foundation to honor those who risked their lives to defend freedom. Please share this e-mail and this link with your fellow pro-freedom Americans and ask that they too show their gratitude and display their pride!
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NRA FILES COMMENTS OPPOSING SHOTGUN IMPORT BAN: On Sunday, May 1, the NRA filed its formal comments on the "ATF Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns." The "study," (http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/012611-study-on-importality-of-certain-shotguns.pdf) published in January, proposed to ban the importation of any shotgun, regardless of action type, if it has one or more supposedly non-"sporting" features.
ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER MEANINGLESS BRADY SCORECARD: It's that time of year again -- the time when the Brady Campaign releases its annual scores and rankings, lavishing praise on state governments that infringe upon the rights of their citizens and scorn on those that respect the Constitution. This year, the occasion was met with about as much enthusiasm as that other spring ritual, the income tax filing deadline. If this is the first you're hearing of the new rankings, let's hope that's because the mainstream media has finally come to its senses about this annual publicity stunt.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK: This week's outrage comes to us from the Windy City, where retiring Mayor Richard Daley (D) has allegedly requested an armed bodyguard detail to protect him after he leaves office on May 16.
URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR H.R. 822, THE NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2011: Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
BATFE REQUESTS COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION FOR PROPOSED MULTIPLE RIFLE SALES REPORTING RULE: As we reported last week, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recently republished its proposal to require firearm dealers to report multiple sales of various rifles. Compared to its initial request in December, which was rejected as an "emergency" request, the new notice clarifies that the proposed requirement would apply only to dealers in four southwestern states, and would apply only to semi-automatic rifles of a caliber greater than .22 (including .223) and that can use detachable magazines. The notice fails to address the NRA's comments, which pointed out that the agency has no legal authority to demand this information.
"IN THEIR OWN WORDS" SEMINAR PROVIDES UNIQUE INSIGHT: On Saturday, April 30th, NRA members and gun rights activists attended NRA-ILA's fifth annual special seminar "In Their Own Words" at NRA's Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Pittsburgh.
SECOND AMENDMENT WEEKEND AT BASS PRO SHOPS IN OHIO: Join NRA-ILA staff on Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14th, 2011, for two days of important grassroots education. With what has already been a very busy 2011, we must redouble our efforts to ensure we're prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges we will face. Please make plans to attend NRA-ILA's FREE Grassroots Workshop and Legislative discussion to learn what you can do to become a better activist in the fight to protect and promote the Second Amendment!
GRASSROOTS NEWS MINUTE VIDEO: To view this week's "Grassroots News Minute" video, please click here:
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.)
For additional information, please click on the links provided.
ARIZONA: The 2011 Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The 2011 Arizona legislative session adjourned sine die on April 20. Senate Bill 1469 (strengthens Castle Doctrine) and House Bill 2645 (enables persons who have lost their firearm rights due to a mental-health related commitment to petition to have them restored) were signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer. Governor Brewer vetoed Senate Bill 1467 (campus protection) and SB 1201 (removes arbitrary bans on carrying a firearm for self-defense).
CALIFORNIA: Anti-Gun Bills a Major Threat in the State Legislature
Several anti-gun bills were heard in the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees this week that will have major negative implications for gun owners if enacted. They are: Senate Bill 124 (reclassifies most lead ammunition as "armor piercing"), Senate Bill 798 (requires BB guns to be manufactured the same as a toy gun), Assembly Bill 144 (bans open carrying of firearms), and Assembly Bill 809 (requires long gun registration). Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to oppose SB 798 and SB 124 and also contact your state Assemblyman and urge him or her to oppose AB 144 and AB 809.
CONNECTICUT: Judiciary Committee Fails to Act on Temporary Carry Permit Process Legislation
On May 3, the Joint Judiciary Committee failed to act on Senate Bill 967 during its public hearing, essentially defeating this legislation for the 2011 legislative session. SB 967 would have created a uniform statewide process for the issuance of a temporary state permit to carry a pistol or revolver.
DELAWARE: Gun Rights Restoration Bill Passes Committee!
On May 4, House Bill 48 passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee and will now be sent to the floor of the state Senate for consideration. This legislation is designed to update Delaware state law to meet the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
FLORIDA: Restore Rights to Concealed Weapons License Holders
On May 4, SB 234 passed in the state House and now goes to Governor Rick Scott for his signature. All three NRA-priority bills have passed and are awaiting action by the Governor.
ILLINOIS: Right-to-Carry Fails to Get Super-Majority Required for Passage in the State House
House Bill 148, the Right-to-Carry bill, failed to attract the necessary 71 votes required for its passage in the Illinois House. Fortunately, this fight is far from over, as this bill was placed on postponed consideration. The NRA will continue to push this important issue until the people of Illinois are afforded the same basic rights so many others enjoy.
INDIANA: Hoosiers Enjoy a Historic Session for Pro-Gun Legislation in Indiana!
Governor Daniels has already signed into law three NRA-supported bills, including the Parking Lot 2.0 (Senate Enrolled Act 411) and Non-Contiguous State Firearm Purchase (Senate Enrolled Act 94) bills. However, the Transport Permit Reform (Senate Bill 506) and Firearm Preemption Reform (Senate Bill 292) bills are still awaiting the Governor's approval. Please contact Governor Daniels and urge him to sign into law SB 506 and SB 292.
IOWA: Natural Resources Commission Taking Public Comment on Proposed Rules for the New Dove Season!
On May 24, the Iowa Natural Resources Commission will meet to discuss the rules for the recently authorized mourning dove hunting season. The commission is currently accepting public comment and your input is needed. Please contact the Iowa Natural Resources Commission and help them in their efforts to establish the best possible mourning dove season.
MICHIGAN: Hunter Heritage Bill Passes House Committee
On May 3, the House Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee passed Senate Bill 207, which would establish a mentored youth hunting program allowing parents to determine when their children are ready to hunt. Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support SB 207.
MISSOURI: Firearm Reform Bill on the Senate Floor for Debate!
House Bill 294 has been placed on the Senate calendar and will now be debated on the Senate floor. This important Right-to-Carry reform bill still needs your support though, so please continue to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support HB 294.
MONTANA: Permitless Carry on the Governor's Desk
House Bill 271, the permitless carry bill, is now awaiting action by Governor Brian Schweitzer. Please contact the Governor and urge him to sign House Bill 271 into law!
Important Ammunition Bill on the Governor's Desk
House Bill 159 would restrict the authority of the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the FWP Commission to regulate firearms and ammunition. HB 159 is currently awaiting action by Governor Brian Schweitzer. Please contact the Governor and urge him to sign House Bill 159 into law.
NEVADA: NRA-Backed Bills Progressing Through the Legislature
Senate Bill 231 (Nevada Campus Protection Act) has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. The NRA is working to get the current fiscal note removed so this bill can advance to the Senate floor. Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support SB 231. Assembly Bill 217 (non-contiguous state long gun purchases) passed in the state Senate and is now headed back to the Assembly for enrollment, before being sent to Governor Brian Sandoval for his approval.
AB 282 Moves from Assembly to Senate Judiciary Committee
Assembly Bill 282 passed in the Assembly last week and is now headed to the Senate Judiciary Committee. AB 282 is a four-point pro-gun omnibus measure that was amended last week to raise the fee for CCW permit renewals from $25 to $75. The NRA opposes this fee increase.
NEW YORK: Micro-Stamping Legislation Passes Assembly Committee
On May 3, Assembly Bill 1157 passed in the Assembly Codes Committee and will now head to the Assembly floor for consideration. A1157 would mandate micro-stamping on all new semi-automatic pistols sold in New York after January 1, 2013. Please contact your Assemblyman and ask him or her to oppose A1157.
NORTH DAKOTA: 2011 Legislative Session Comes to a Close
Before the North Dakota Legislature adjourned last week, two important NRA-supported bills passed and were signed into law by Governor Jack Dalrymple. HB 1269 will grant persons who have lost their firearm rights because of a mental health commitment or adjudication the right to petition to have them restored. HB 1438 will allow employees to keep firearms in their cars while at work.
OHIO: Two Pro-Gun Bills are on the Move
Two pro-gun bills are up for a possible vote on the House floor at any time. House Bill 45 is an important self-defense reform that would simplify where one can carry with a permit. House Bill 54 would allow individuals a pathway to restore firearm rights. Please contact your state Representative and respectfully urge him or her to support HB 45 and HB 54.
OKLAHOMA: House Considers Conference Committee Action on Parking Lot Expansion Bill
On April 26, the Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 1652, the NRA-backed employee protection expansion bill. This legislation will now be sent to a conference committee. Please contact members of the Conference Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary & Military Affairs to respectfully urge their support of HB 1652.
OREGON: Department of Fish and Wildlife to Hold Public Meetings on Big Game Regulations
This May, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will hold several public meetings throughout the state to discuss big game hunting regulations. It is important that you make your voices heard and participate in this process.
PENNSYLVANIA: Bill Attacking Sporting Tradition Remains on Senate Calendar
Senate Bill 626, which would criminalize and ban organize bird shoots, remains on the Senate Calendar for possible consideration by the state Senate. Please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to protect Pennsylvania's sporting traditions and oppose SB 626.
Please Attend the Sixth Annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally!
Please join David Keene, NRA's incoming President, and other Second Amendment activists to voice support for our cherished firearm freedoms. On May 10, at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Second Amendment supporters will gather in solidarity for our gun rights.
RHODE ISLAND: Senate Committee Recommends Anti-Gun Bill be Held for Further Study
On May 3, Senate Bill 831 was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee, which recommended that the bill be held for further study. S 831 would make it illegal for a minor to simply possess a firearm or ammunition, whether intentionally or otherwise.
TEXAS: NRA-Backed Employee/Parking Lot Legislation Passes State House
On May 4, the state House passed Senate Bill 321, NRA-backed employee protection/parking lot legislation. Please be sure to thank those who supported SB 321. Also this week, the NRA-supported campus personal protection legislation was amended on Senate Bill 5. Even though the sponsor pulled the original bill from consideration, a number of Senators have continued to show their support for this issue. Please be sure to thank those Senators who continue to stand with law-abiding Concealed Handgun Licensees' rights.
VIRGINIA: VSSA's 13th Annual Crush'n Clays®
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) is hosting the 13th Annual Crush'n Clays® event on June 11, 2011. The clay target event benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and, over the last 12 years, has raised more than $230,000 for the charity. The event will be held at the Arlington-Fairfax Izaak Walton League of America (http://arlingtonfairfax-iwla.org/) range in Centreville, VA. Shooting slots are still available but hurry because the event has sold out the last three years. Crush'n Clays® is the longest running clay target event of its type and the longest running event supporting St. Jude Children's Hospital. NRA is a long time sponsor of the event along with many other businesses and organizations. You can find more information, as well as register to participate in the event, at http://www.myvssa.org/content/crushn-clays.
