ACSL Archives 2012
PLEASE NOTE: We have tried to maintain links where possible,but due to the archival nature of these articles,some links may have changed or be otherwise unavailable.
Appeals Court Strikes Down Illinois Gun Ban
Monday evening I wrote with great glee the tale of an Illinois gun grabber getting his comeuppance (and being arrested) after he was caught trying to carry a handgun onto an airplane. Then Tuesday afternoon some bigger gun news broke: The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Illinois’ law banning concealed carry.
The court, citing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the 2nd Amendment confers a right to bear arms for self-defense, said that being able to defend one’s self was as important outside the home as inside. It ordered the Illinois legislature to “craft a new gun law that will impose reasonable limitations, consistent with public safety and the Second Amendment as interpreted in this opinion, on the carrying of guns in public.” The mandate was stayed for 180 days to give the legislature time to pass its law.
Now all law-abiding Illinois residents will have the opportunity to carry a weapon for protection, just like gun grabbing Senator Donne Trotter of Chicago.
Trotter, who has long fought concealed-carry legislation in the State and is an ardent gun control activist, had a .25 cal. Beretta and a magazine containing six rounds in his garment bag. He told authorities he had worked late as a security guard the previous night and packed his bag early Wednesday morning, forgetting he had the gun in the bag. Trotter works for a security firm and has permits and licenses — that most Illinois residents can’t get — to carry a firearm for his work.
Illinois is the only State that doesn’t allow concealed carry in some form. It does not recognize licenses issued by other States. It heavily regulates the sale, possession and use of firearms and ammunition. Under Illinois law, a firearm being transported must be unloaded and stored in a case. And Trotter would like to make it harder to own a gun in his State.
Trotter is running to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in the 2nd Congressional District. He was charged with attempting to board an aircraft with a weapon, which is a Class 4 felony. He should also face State charges for transporting his gun illegally. But for that he has not been charged.
It’s yet another example of the elitist mind-set. They love laws that apply to the proles, but believe they can simply ignore them or should get special exemption. Illinois’ tough gun laws have left law abiding citizens unsafe and unprotected. Yet Trotter, who supports those gun laws and would like to see more, gets to carry a weapon — but apparently not on a plane.
Thankfully, in 2013 law-abiding Illinois residents will be able to carry weapons, too.
Source: by Bob Livingston . Bob Livingston is an ultra-conservative American who has been writing a newsletter since 1969.
PA's Aquatic Resources and Public Safety
in Crosshairs of Looming Federal Deficit Deadline
Nearly a million dollars of contributions made by Pennsylvania’s anglers and boaters specifically to conserve aquatic resources, offer public access to waterways, and provide boating safety education will be withheld from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) by the federal government in 2013 if Congress fails to pass a budget before the end of the year. The federal government could breach trust with America’s anglers and boaters by sequestering their contributions from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Safety Trust Funds.
Congress passed the Budget Control Act in 2011 and mandated automatic federal spending cuts, known as sequestration, to reduce the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years. Unless a spending plan is enacted, those cuts will trigger on Jan. 2, 2013, and will impact nearly all taxpayer-funded federal government agencies and programs.
The Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Boating Safety Trust Fund – collectively called the Trust Funds – would suffer a 7.6 percent cut and equate to a loss of approximately $43 million to all state fish and wildlife agencies in 2013. However, unlike other programs at risk of sequestration, the Trust Funds are not taxpayer dollars derived through federal income taxes.
The Trust Funds are raised through excise taxes levied on fishing tackle and equipment and motorboat fuel that industry pays quarterly to the federal government. Sportsmen and women buy the excise-taxable items, and those revenues, combined with their purchases of fishing licenses and boat registrations, largely determine how much funding is allocated annually to state agencies like the PFBC.
“The projected financial impact of losing 7.6 percent of Pennsylvania’s portion of the Trust Funds in 2013 – $859,000 – means that we will have to reduce services to Pennsylvania anglers and boaters,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “However, I believe the greater violation is the breach of trust between the anglers, boaters and businesses who pay the tax and the federal government which plans to withhold the funds from the states.”
State Boating Law Administrators, again including Pennsylvania, also would experience a 7.6 percent cut to their federal allocation, resulting in a reduction in funding available for boating safety activities, boating education, access, and boat registration and titling. Currently, there is no substitute funding mechanism to offset the loss of the Sport Fish Restoration or Boating Safety Trust Funds.
“The Trust Funds are the lifeblood of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s day-to-day efforts to restore and manage fisheries and their habitats; open and maintain recreational access for all; and keep the public safe by providing boating safety education,” said PFBC Deputy for Administration Brian Barner. “If budget sequestration takes effect, our agency will have to make tough decisions now and down the road. Potentially, we may have to reduce services like fish stocking, access area maintenance, boating education and safety, and other programs which Pennsylvania’s anglers and boaters care about deeply.”
The Sport Fish Restoration Program was established in 1950 to restore fish populations, and the Boating Safety Trust Fund followed in 1984. These programs have a proven track record of entrusting state agencies as the recipients of the nation’s users-pay, public-benefits funding system for fish and wildlife conservation.
“Over the last 52 years, sportsmen and women have always been willing to pay a little extra for the excise-taxable gear, knowing that their purchases would directly support conservation along with fishing, boating, and other wildlife-related activities,” Arway added. “Sequestering the Trust Funds will not reduce the federal deficit, and, in fact, could hurt the country’s finances by curbing the $145 billion dollar economic driver that is wildlife-related recreation, enjoyed by 90 million people each year.”
In 1985, Congress passed the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act, which provided that the excise tax revenues going into the Trust Funds were exempt from budget sequestrations. However, it did not specify that the money distributed from the Trust Funds to state fish and wildlife agencies was exempt from sequestration withholding.
Members of Congress can close this gap by amending the "exemption" provision found in the 1985 Act to include appropriations from such trust funds. This act of Congress would be the most long-lasting solution.
Ask members of the U.S House of Representatives and U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Patrick Toomey to exempt the Sport Fish Restoration Program and Boating Safety Trust Fund and keep the trust with America’s sportsmen and women, contact the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or visit www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.
For more information about the potential effects of budget sequestration on fish and wildlife conservation, public safety, and the economy, go to www.fishwildlife.org.
For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)
New Life Jacket Requirement Starts November 1
When sunny days and fall foliage tempt the boater in you, don’t forget about your life jacket, especially if you are planning to use a canoe, kayak or similar small boat.
Beginning November 1 and lasting through April 30, boaters are required to wear a life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak, under a new state regulation passed in September by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
“Life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on a boat,” says Laurel Anders, director of the PFBC Bureau of Boating and Outreach. “According to Pennsylvania’s boating accident reports, almost 80 percent of all boating fatalities happen to boaters not wearing a life jacket. A disproportionate number of the fatalities occur during the months of November through April. During these cold weather months, boaters are especially at risk due to the water temperature and the risk of sudden cold water immersion.”
When a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water below 70ºF, the body’s first response is usually an involuntary gasp. Without a life jacket, a victim may inhale while under water and drown without coming back to the surface. If an individual does make it back to the surface, his ability to swim is usually restricted because of a shortness of breath or hyperventilation.
The new regulation applies to all Pennsylvania waters.
Individuals who plan to fish, boat or hunt from a boat this fall or winter are encouraged to follow these cold water survival safety tips:
Always wear a life jacket, even when not required. Many models also offer insulation from cold air. Read the life jacket’s approval label to be sure it’s appropriate for your boating activity.
Never boat alone.
Leave a float plan with family or friends and know the waters you plan to boat.
Bring a fully charged cell phone with you in case of emergency.
Wear clothing that still insulates when wet, such as fleece, polypropylene or other synthetics.
If you are about to fall into cold water, cover your mouth and nose with your hands. This will reduce the likelihood of inhaling water.
If possible, stay with the boat. Get back into or climb on top of the boat.
While in cold water, do not remove your clothing.
If you can’t get out of the water, get into the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP). In this position, individuals bring their knees to their chest and hug them with their arms.
Once out of the water, remove wet clothes and warm up as soon as possible.
Seek medical attention when necessary. Some effects of exposure to cold temperatures can be delayed.
To learn more about life jacket wear and cold water survival, visit
PFBC website - http://fishandboat.com/safety.htm
Coldwater Boot Camp website - http://www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/pages/home.html
Safe Boating Campaigns website - http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/new-jacket-pages/angling-hunting-jackets.htm
For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
Heads-up! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is planning to close two locks on the Allegheny River to recreational boats by the end of the year. Under their plan, Locks 6 (Freeport) and 7 (Kittanning) upstream from Pittsburg will operate only by appointment for commercial vessels with no accommodations at all for recreational boats. The Corps has stated the closures are part of a nationwide effort to reduce its costs.
There is an information meeting being held next week on these closures. If access to this part of the Allegheny River is a part of your boating, or necessary for removing your boat for the winter, we urge you to attend the meeting to learn more and voice your concerns.
Here are the details:
What: USACE Public Meeting on changing Lock Services
When: Wednesday, October 24th, 7:00pm
Where: Ford City High School
1100 Fourth Avenue
Ford City, PA 16226
Click here for a map to the meeting
BoatU.S. is actively engaged with the Corps regarding the level of service provided to recreational boats at locks throughout the United States. It is important they hear from boaters about the impact such closures will have on your boating.
Margaret Podlich
President
GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
703-461-2878 x8363
BoatUS.com/Gov
Source: BoatU.S.
Pennsylvania SB 273 is dead for this session.
Time has expired and it cannot be resurrected this session.
This legislation would have provided much needed penalties for municipalities that violate gun laws and ignore Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions to the detriment of law abiding gun owners.
Be sure to let your state representatives know that you are very disappointed that Democrat and Republican Leadership did not move this legislation in the 2011-12 session.
Let them know that you hope that they will do something about the leadership problem in the next session so that this and other important pro-freedom legislation will advance.
"No State shall convert a liberty into a privilege, license it, and charge a fee therefor." --Murdock v. Pennsylvania, 319 US 105, US Supreme Court, [1943].
The U.S. Supreme Court broadly and unequivocally held that requiring licensing or registration of any constitutional right is itself unconstitutional. --Follett vs. Town of McCormick, S.C., 321 U.S. 573 [1944]
"The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned. [*287] Because the ownership of firearms is constitutionally protected, its regulation is a matter of statewide concern. The constitution does not provide that the right to bear arms shall not be questioned in any part of the commonwealth except Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where it may be abridged at will, but that it shall not be questioned in any part of the commonwealth."
SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA, 545 Pa. 279; 681 A.2d 152; 1996 Pa. LEXIS 1447, May 1, 1996, ARGUED July 18, 1996, DECIDED
Source: Harry Schneider, PSA Chairman
Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Assn., Rights, not privileges
MICROSTAMPING SHOULD CAUSE GUN
MAKER TO MOVE, SAYS CCRKBA
An effort by lawmakers in New York to require microstamping that now has Remington Arms reportedly considering a move to another state would be justified for business reasons and a victory for common sense, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.
Recent reports indicate that the legendary American arms maker may move west over the microstamping measure.
“Not only would that be a smart business move,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “but it would also affirm that Remington is run by people with common sense; people who know microstamping is a costly requirement that amounts to a bogus panacea to violent crime.”
Microstamping, also called “ballistic imprinting,” laser-engraves tiny identifying marks on the firing pin. Theoretically, this would help police track guns used in crimes to their owners. However, Gottlieb pointed to several misconceptions about microstamping.
“For starters,” he said, “police have to recover shell casings at a crime scene, and that doesn’t happen if a criminal uses a revolver. Secondly, it’s easy to replace or deface a firing pin in most semi-automatics so the micro stamped part is removed or altered.
“The unmentioned detail in this mandate,” he added, “is that this system would require nationwide gun registration in order to have the remote potential to succeed. This is a little detail nobody wants to talk about.
“With somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 million guns already in private hands,” Gottlieb observed, “the notion that microstamping will help solve crimes is a fairy tale at best.
“Why should firearms manufacturers tolerate this sort of intrusive, feel-good legislation when they can easily relocate to states with more friendly business environments,” he challenged. “American gun makers have every right to simply walk away from such nonsense and take their revenue and jobs with them. New York’s loss would be someone else’s financial gain, and ultimately, the beneficiaries would be American consumers, whose privacy will not be penalized in the interest of utopian political correctness.”
With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is one of the nation’s premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States. The Citizens Committee can be reached by phone at (425) 454-4911, on the Internet at www.ccrkba.org or by email to InformationRequest@ccrkba.org.
Source: Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
TWO WORKERS INJURED AT GAME COMMISSION RANGE
Two Pennsylvania Game Commission Food and Cover Corps employees were injured on Monday afternoon, October 1, while responding to a burning target backstop at a shooting range on State Game Land 183 in Palmyra Township, Pike County. According to Game Commission Northeast Region Director Daniel Figured, the accident is being attributed to the illegal use of exploding rifle targets.
Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Leonard Boyer and Game Lands Maintenance Worker Charles Campfield arrived at the range, along State Route 6, at around 3:15 p.m. and observed a target backstop and frame on fire. While attempting to extinguish the fire, an illegal exploding target on the ground detonated, injuring the two. Both men sustained burned skin, temporary blindness, and hearing damage as a result of the blast and were treated at an emergency room of a local hospital.
“Game Commission shooting ranges are intended for use by sportsmen to sight in their firearms and hone their shooting skills,” Figured said. “The use of exploding targets on SGL ranges is prohibited by agency regulations and clearly poses a threat to the safety of our employees and others using the range. The only targets authorized on SGL ranges are paper targets placed on a permanent backboard.”
Several brands of exploding targets are legal to purchase and available commercially. They often consist of two inert chemicals that, when combined and loaded into a hollow target, cause an explosive reaction when impacted by a high velocity bullet.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the agency’s Northeast Region Office at (570) 675-1143.
Source: PA Game Commission
Governor Declares Emergency Ahead Of Hurricane Sandy, Urges Residents To Prepare
Gov. Tom Corbett Friday declared a statewide disaster emergency to enable state, county and municipal governments to respond effectively to the impact of Hurricane Sandy.
The storm, which will likely begin to impact the state on Sunday evening, is expected to bring heavy rain to much of the state, and even snow in some areas of southwestern Pennsylvania and in higher elevations. Flooding and power outages are also anticipated, and could last for several days. Sustained high winds will likely contribute to damage across the state as well.
The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of this emergency situation. The time-consuming bid and contract procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law, are waived for the duration of the proclamation.
Corbett issued the disaster proclamation based on the recommendation of Glenn Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and forecasts from the National Weather Service.
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Glenn M. Cannon Friday urged Pennsylvanians to prepare now for the possibility of strong winds, heavy rain and even snow as Hurricane Sandy moves north.
“This storm could combine with another system to bring some combination of snow, wind, rain and flooding to much of Pennsylvania,” Cannon said. “This is the time to make sure everyone has an emergency kit in their home and car, and an emergency plan for taking care of each other in the event this storm brings its full destructive potential to our state.”
Families should prepare for two scenarios in the event of severe weather: to remain in their homes during the duration of a storm, or to evacuate if it is recommended or ordered by local authorities.
Residents should always have enough provisions in their homes to last at least 72 hours because help from emergency responders may not be immediately available when severe weather strikes.
Other disaster preparedness supplies to have at the ready include: Flashlights and extra batteries; Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; First aid kit and manual; Emergency food and water; Non-electric can opener; Essential medicines/prescriptions; Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and Sturdy shoes.
If residents are ordered by local officials to evacuate, they should do so without hesitating and should take important documents with them, including: Checkbooks; Driver's license; Credit card information; Birth certificates; Social Security cards; and Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity.
Cannon reminded drivers they should never drive into low-lying areas or over roads and bridges that are already under water. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep away the average car. Remember – Turn around, don’t drown.
“Personal preparedness is an essential part of emergency response and recovery,” Cannon said. “The fact that we know about the potential threat we’re facing several days in advance is a gift that we can all take advantage of, so we can make sure we are ready for whatever comes our way.”
For more information on how to make a disaster supply kit and how to prepare for all kinds of emergencies, visit www.ReadyPA.org or call 1-888-9-READYPA (1-888-973-2397).
Source: Gov. Tom Corbett
U.N. "Programme of Action" Targets Civilian Gun Owners
Gun owners hoping the failure of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty in July would finally convince the UN to respect our rights shouldn't hold their breath. Just a month after treaty negotiations broke down, on August 27 the UN convened its two-week-long Second Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The POA was established in 2001, ostensibly to combat the illicit trade and use of small arms by developing an internationally accepted set of standards for dealing with the issue, as well as by encouraging states to adopt domestic controls over the manufacturing and distribution of firearms and report on their progress. While states may agree to work towards the goals of the POA, the POA is not binding (unlike a possible Arms Trade Treaty).
However, since its inception the POA has served as a vehicle to promote domestic civilian gun control policies that are incompatible with U.S. gun rights, and the 2012 conference was no different. The conference failed to recognize the legitimacy of civilian firearm ownership or of individual self-defense.
Consider, too, the recommendation for gun registration in the U.N. International Small Arms Control Standards that were launched on Aug. 29 as part of the POA conference. The document states, "For each individual small arm and light weapon under the jurisdiction of a State, records of the following information, where applicable in each instance, shall be maintained:... ownership information (names, addresses and license numbers of owners, as well as dates of ownership, up until the point that the weapon leaves the jurisdiction of the State," and further recommends, "records of all small arms and light weapons under the jurisdiction of a State should be maintained in a centralized database administered by a competent State authority." ISACS has yet to be completed, but upcoming international standards the POA will promote include "National controls over the end-user and end-use of internationally transferred small arms and light weapons" and "National controls over the access of civilians to small arms and light weapons." Fortunately, ISACS was rejected as part of the POA in the just-concluded conference.
The conference offered another opportunity for grandstanding by countries that don't respect their own citizens' rights. On Sept. 5, Cuba, Iran and the triply misnamed Democratic People's Republic of Korea--that is, North Korea--made a bid to include a negative reference to "possession of firearms by civilians" in the conference's final document. The NRA was present as always, and played a key role in working with friendlier governments to block the move.
Mexico continued to promote civilian disarmament with an Aug. 28 statement to the conference encouraging a greater focus on civilian possession of firearms as a way to implement and strengthen the POA, and during the conference called for the inclusion of ammunition control in the POA conference final document. Likewise, the 120 states of the Non-Aligned Movement argued in an Aug. 27 statement for "the need to establish and maintain controls over private ownership of small arms."
Consistent with a broad U.N. civilian disarmament agenda, many conference participants also spent their time advocating for the failed Arms Trade Treaty. In his remarks to the conference on August 27, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated, "an arms trade treaty is long overdue… I urge you to redouble efforts to agree on a robust 'ATT' as soon as possible." A representative from the global gun control group, International Action Network on Small Arms, said "civil society shares the disappointment expressed by the majority of member states in the failure to agree [to] the Arms Trade in July. Nonetheless, we are confident that States will secure the ATT in the very near future." Mexico also advocated a continued effort to negotiate a treaty.
As of now, implementation of the POA remains voluntary. However, the inherent danger of the POA is that the standardized controls it seeks to establish on civilian gun ownership could become less than voluntary in the future. Domestic politicians could also use the POA to claim a mandate under "international norms" to adopt regulations that are in direct conflict with our Second Amendment rights. As the secretary general made clear, the UN has not quit pushing for an ATT, and it is just as unlikely to stop prodding States into enacting the civilian gun controls promoted by the Programme of Action--which has now been extended through 2018.
Source: NRA
Will The Assault Weapon Ban Return?
Tomorrow marks the eighth anniversary of the expiration of the Federal assault weapons ban put into place in 1994 by the Administration of President Bill Clinton. And even after eight years, the fight from anti-gun lobbies to reinstate the ban is still full force.
Last week, the Democratic Party included in its platform — just as it has every four years since the ban expired — a commitment to reinstating the ban that disallowed Americans the right to legally own certain semi-automatic rifles and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has promised to introduce legislation to reinstate the ban as early as next year. The success of her efforts will be determined largely by the outcome of the Presidential election. President Barack Obama has already made it remarkably clear that he strongly supports reinstatement of the ban, which will likely become a reality under a second term. Furthermore, some pundits expect at least three Supreme Court appointments to be made during the next Presidential Administration; Obama appointments could spell disaster for gun rights.
Though Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is not often noted for his extreme devotion to the 2nd Amendment, he has been outspoken on the side of those who oppose reinstating the assault weapons ban.
Another key component of fighting legislation like what Feinstein has promised to introduce is the election of gun-friendly Senators in Senate battleground States.
Without paying attention to Senate races, making sure that Obama is not re-elected and that a Romney Administration would follow through with 2nd Amendment promises (instead of reverting to the candidate’s previous anti-gun stances), there is little hope in winning the battle against America’s gun grabbers.
Source: by Sam Rolley
TOWN HALL MEETING
HUNTING ON AIRPORT PROPERTY
When: Thursday, Sept. 20
Time: 7 p.m
Where: Findlay Municipal Building
1271 Route 30
Clinton, PA 15026
During this public forum, attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions regarding hunting on airport property answered by a panel comprised of the Airport Authority and several governmental agencies, including the US Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Tell your friends and neighbors!
Source: State Rep. Mark Mustio
Immediate action request
SB 273 will penalize cities that exceed their authority and make up their own anti-gun laws that can hurt you.
The House vote on SB 273 has been stalled by leadership. The push is on, this is your chance to make a difference.
This weekend you can send emails and on Monday October 15 you need to make phone calls. Insist that SB 273 come up for a vote.
Your Pennsylvania Rep needs to hear from you.
Leadership needs to hear from you!
All the Democrats listed need to hear from you!
You can use this link to find your state representative:
http://www.capwiz.com/nra/state/main...ew=myofficials
Contact everyone on this list after you contacted your Rep, Call ALL in Leadership monday morning Oct 15!
Speaker of the House Samuel H. Smith - Preemption former sponsor last session hb 1541
shsmith@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-3845
Majority Floor Leader Mike Turzai - Preemption Current sponsor to HB 1523
mturzai@pahousegop.com
(717) 772-9943
Minority Floor Leader Frank Dermody - REALLY good guy & votes with US usuallyMUST CALL or email
fdermody@pahouse.net
(717) 787-3566
Majority whip Stan Saylor - Preemption Current sponsor to HB 1523
ssaylor@pahousegop.com
(717) 783-6426
Minority whip Michael Hanna - MUST CALL or email
mhanna@pahouse.net
(717) 772-2283
Caucus Chair Sandra Major - Preemption former sponsor last session hb 1541
smajor@pahousegop.com
(717) 783-2910
Caucus Secretary Mike Vereb
mvereb@pahousegop.com
(717) 705-7164
Minority Appropriations Committee Chair Joseph F. Markosek - Preemption former sponsor last session hb 1541 MUST CALL or email
jmarkose@pahouse.net
(717) 7831540
Majority Appropriations Committee Chair William F. Adolph Jr.
wadolph@pahousegop.com
(717) 7871248
Majority Caucus Administrator Richard R. Stevenson - Preemption Current sponsor to HB 1523
rstevens@pahousegop.com
(717) 783-6438
Majority Policy Committee Chair Dave Reed
dreed@pahousegop.com
(717) 705- 7173
batch email for leadership
shsmith@pahousegop.com;mturzai@pahousegop.com;fdermody@pahouse.net;ssaylor@pahousegop.com;mhanna@pahouse.net;smajor@pahousegop.com;mvereb@pahousegop.com;jmarkose@pahouse.net;wadolph@pahousegop.com;rstevens@pahousegop.com;dreed@pahousegop.com;
Keep in mind
Its either this moves for a VOTE on Oct 15-16 or we get nothing this session. We have a choice to make and a limited window to pass added protections in the UFA the or start back to square one next session and maybe have to wait another two years for our next chance.
Read SB 273 text here
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0273
NOTE ALL of these elected Reps don't have a problem asking for your votes or support on election day, so NOW its our time to ask them for their votes and support of our rights before election day
batch email for Democrats
bbarbin@pahouse.net;bboyle@pahouse.net;jbrennan@pahouse.net;fburns@pahouse.net;rbuxton@pahouse.net;tcaltagi@pahouse.net;mcarroll@pahouse.net;sconklin@pahouse.net;dcosta@pahouse.net;pcosta@pahouse.net;pdaley@pahouse.net;tdavis@pahouse.net;mdean@pahouse.net;ddeasy@pahouse.net;tdeluca@pahouse.net;edepasqu@pahouse.net;ffabrizi@pahouse.net;jgallowa@pahouse.net;cgeorge@pahouse.net;mgergely@pahouse.net;jgibbons@pahouse.net;ngoodman@pahouse.net;ghaluska@pahouse.net;tharhai@pahouse.net;pharkins@pahouse.net;jhornama@pahouse.net;hjames@pahouse.net;skavulich@pahouse.net;bkortz@pahouse.net;nkotik@pahouse.net;dkula@pahouse.net;mlongiet@pahouse.net;tmahoney@pahouse.net;rmatzie@pahouse.net;rmirabito@pahouse.net;gmullery@pahouse.net;kmurphy@pahouse.net;eneilison@pahouse.net;bneuman@pahouse.net;epashins@pahouse.net;jpetrarc@pahouse.net;aravenstahl@pahouse.net;hreadsha@pahouse.net;csainato@pahouse.net;dsantoni@pahouse.net;mschmotzer@pahouse.net;ksmith@pahouse.net;mhsmith@pahouse.net;estaback@pahouse.net;jwheatley@pahouse.net;jwhite@pahouse.net;gwilliams@pahouse.net;
list for Democrats that need to be really contacted
Bryan Barbin D
Cambria*
bbarbin@pahouse.net
(717) 7831491
Brendan F. Boyle D
Montgomery*, Philadelphia*
bboyle@pahouse.net
(717) 7873055
Joseph F. Brennan D
Lehigh*, Northampton*
jbrennan@pahouse.net
(717) 7729902
Frank Burns D
Cambria*, Somerset*
fburns@pahouse.net
(717) 7728056
Ronald I. Buxton D
Dauphin*
rbuxton@pahouse.net
(717) 7839342
Thomas R. Caltagirone D
Berks*
tcaltagi@pahouse.net
(717) 7873525
Mike Carroll D
Luzerne*, Monroe*
mcarroll@pahouse.net
(717) 7873589
H. Scott Conklin D
Centre*
sconklin@pahouse.net
(717) 7879473
Dom Costa D
Allegheny*
dcosta@pahouse.net
(717) 7839114
Paul Costa D
Allegheny*
pcosta@pahouse.net
(717) 7831914
Peter J. Daley D
Fayette*, Washington*
pdaley@pahouse.net
717) 7839333
Tina Davis D
Bucks*
tdavis@pahouse.net
(717) 7834903
Madeleine Dean D
Montgomery*
mdean@pahouse.net
(717) 7837619
Daniel Deasy D
Allegheny*
ddeasy@pahouse.net
(717) 7728187
Tony DeLuca D
Allegheny*
tdeluca@pahouse.net
(717) 7831011
Eugene DePasquale D
York*
edepasqu@pahouse.net
(717) 7877514
Florindo J. Fabrizio D
Erie*
ffabrizi@pahouse.net
(717) 7874358
John T. Galloway D
Bucks*
jgallowa@pahouse.net
(717) 7871292
Camille "Bud" George D
Clearfield*
cgeorge@pahouse.net
(717) 7877316
Marc J. Gergely D
Allegheny*
mgergely@pahouse.net
(717) 7831018
Jaret Gibbons D
Beaver*, Butler*, Lawrence*
jgibbons@pahouse.net
(717) 7052060
Neal P. Goodman D
Schuylkill*
ngoodman@pahouse.net
(717) 7872798
Gary Haluska D
Cambria*
ghaluska@pahouse.net
(717) 7873532
R. Ted Harhai D
Fayette*, Westmoreland*
tharhai@pahouse.net
(717) 7722820
Patrick J Harkins D
Erie*
pharkins@pahouse.net
(717) 7877406
John Hornaman D
Erie*
jhornama@pahouse.net
(717) 7722297
Harold James D
Philadelphia*
hjames@pahouse.net
(717) 7831792
Sid Kavulich D
Lackawanna*, Luzerne*, Susquehanna*, Wyoming*
skavulich@pahouse.net
(717) 7834874
Bill Kortz D
Allegheny*
bkortz@pahouse.net
(717) 7878175
Nick Kotik D
Allegheny*
nkotik@pahouse.net
(717) 7833780
Deberah Kula D
Fayette*
dkula@pahouse.net
(717) 7721858
Mark Longietti D
Mercer*
mlongiet@pahouse.net
(717) 7724035
Tim Mahoney D
Fayette*
tmahoney@pahouse.net
(717) 7722174
Robert Matzie D
Allegheny*, Beaver*
rmatzie@pahouse.net
(717) 7874444
Richard Mirabito D
Lycoming*
rmirabito@pahouse.net
(717) 7721314
Gerald Mullery D
Luzerne*
gmullery@pahouse.net
(717) 7834893
Kevin Murphy D
Lackawanna*
kmurphy@pahouse.net
(877) 8411450
Ed Neilson D
Philadelphia*
eneilison@pahouse.net
(717) 7874331
Brandon Neuman D
Washington*
bneuman@pahouse.net
(717) 7834834
Eddie Day Pashinski D
Luzerne*
epashins@pahouse.net
(717) 7830686
Joseph A. Petrarca D
Armstrong*, Westmoreland*
jpetrarc@pahouse.net
(717) 7875142
Adam Ravenstahl D
Allegheny*
aravenstahl@pahouse.net
(717) 7875470
Harry A. Readshaw D
Allegheny*
hreadsha@pahouse.net
(717) 7830411
Chris Sainato D
Beaver*, Lawrence*
csainato@pahouse.net
(717) 7722436
Dante Santoni D
Berks*
dsantoni@pahouse.net
(717) 7833290
Martin Schmotzer D
Allegheny*
email]mschmotzer@pahouse.net[/email]
(717) 7831582
Ken Smith D
Lackawanna*
ksmith@pahouse.net
(717) 7831359
Matthew Smith D
Allegheny*
mhsmith@pahouse.net
(717) 7831850
Edward G. Staback D
Lackawanna*, Wayne*
estaback@pahouse.net
(717) 7835043
Jake Wheatley D
Allegheny*
jwheatley@pahouse.net
(717) 7833783
Jesse White D
Allegheny*, Beaver*, Washington*
jwhite@pahouse.net
(717) 7836437
Gary Williams D
Philadelphia*
gwilliams@pahouse.net
(717) 7722004
USSA Submits Comments Opposing Federal Dog Rule
Earlier this year, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a part of the United States Department of Agriculture, proposed a new rule that would expand the number of dog breeders and sellers regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to include many hobby breeders. Last week, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance submitted comments to APHIS in opposition to the proposed rule, detailing the threat the rule poses to sporting dog and other hobby breeders.
The AWA’s regulations were designed to regulate large, wholesale dog breeders and sellers – not hobby breeders. Hunting dog owners and most other hobby breeders that sell their dogs at retail (directly to the public) are currently exempt from regulation under the AWA.
If the new rule is approved, a hobby breeder selling a dog will fall under AWA regulation unless every single person that buys a dog from the breeder enters that person’s business or residence before buying or picking up the dog. This means breeders that sell just one dog over the phone or internet would be treated like large wholesale dog breeders and would be required to comply with federal regulations and inspections.
“Even though sporting dog breeders would still be exempt under the new rule, it is a real threat to sporting dog owners,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance In-House Counsel and Associate Director of State Services. “Animal rights groups are continuing to push federal and state governments to regulate more and more dog owners to bury them under mountains of unnecessary regulations. They won’t stop until it is almost impossible for all hobby breeders, including sporting dog owners, to keep and breed dogs.”
Here are more details on why APHIS’s proposed rule should worry sportsmen.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Taxpayer Millions Paid to Anti-Hunting Organizations
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance has long been concerned over provisions within the Endangered Species Act that anti-hunting groups are using more and more to get large government payouts for filing lawsuits that do not help the recovery of threatened or endangered species. Many of these lawsuits even threaten to stop hunting, fishing, or trapping.
Documents provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to the House Natural Resources Committee show that our federal government is giving millions of taxpayer dollars to anti-hunting organizations. Anti-hunting groups like the Center for Biological Diversity, the Humane Society of the United States, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Sierra Club are cashing in – on your dime.
Taxpayer Dollars to Anti-Hunters – How Much?
On cases that were listed as “active” between October 1, 2008 and April 4, 2012 more than $21 million was paid out to pay the attorney’s fees for groups suing under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”). Of that $21 million, more than $6 million in taxpayer dollars went to pay attorneys for some of the nation’s largest anti-hunting organizations.
The money is paid out from a taxpayer fund called the Judgment Fund. That means your tax dollars are being paid to anti-hunting organizations’ attorneys.
Why the Government is Paying
The short answer is because the law says they have to.
Provisions within the ESA allow plaintiffs – typically animal rights and environmental groups suing the government – to recover the costs of their attorney’s fees in cases where they have at least “some success on the merits” of the case.
Although originally intended to help promote species recovery, activist organizations are using it as their financial backing to push their radical agendas. More and more lawsuits are being filed under the ESA and more and more taxpayer dollars are being doled out to pay for animal rights and environmental groups’ attorneys.
Often these groups sue on purely technical grounds (not based on science or in the best interests of wildlife conservation) simply because they know they’ll win the technical argument and the government will be forced to pay their attorney’s fees. Ultimately, many these lawsuits have no impact on the recovery of endangered or threatened species.
Sportsmen and non-sportsmen alike should be appalled that their tax dollars are being given away to pay for frivolous lawsuits filed by anti-hunting and other activist organizations. It just doesn’t make sense for this to continue in a time where our government is facing an economic crisis and our national debt is skyrocketing.
Source: by Jeremy Rine, The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
CCRKBA CREDITS GRASSROOTS FOR U.S.
DECISION TO NOT SIGN ARMS TREATY
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today applauds the decision by the United States to not sign the proposed International Arms Trade Treaty, and CCRKBA credits grassroots action for the gun rights victory.
CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, who is at the United Nations in New York, said the announcement came Friday morning after a week of intense negotiations.
“I think the grassroots surge by American gun owners against this treaty convinced our government to not sign this document,” Gottlieb said. “The proposed treaty, as written, poses serious problems for our gun rights, and the sovereignty of our Second Amendment.”
CCRKBA has been active in raising public awareness about the proposed treaty, and Gottlieb said he is proud of members and supporters who made “stepped up to the plate” and contacted their U.S. senators.
“This is freedom in action,” Gottlieb stated. “We are gratified that so many did so much to protect their Second Amendment rights from an international gun rights grab.
Source: The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
26 NEW CO-SPONSORS TO Second Amendment PROTECTION ACT
IS ‘GOOD NEWS,’ SAYS CCRKBA
Twenty-six more members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors to the Second Amendment Protection Act, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms announced today.
“This is good news,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan M. Gottlieb. “With a vote looming on the proposed United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, this sends a clear message to the Obama administration that the president will face real trouble if he or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signs any document that threatens our constitutionally-protected individual right to keep and bear arms.”
Sponsored by Illinois Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, H.R. 3594 was written with help from CCRKBA staff, Gottlieb noted. It now has 60 co-sponsors, and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. CCRKBA has been urging members and supporters to contact Congress and demand action on this bill.
“The U.N. is scheduled to vote on the proposed treaty next week,” Gottlieb said. “Right now they are pushing to include small arms and ammunition, and because the Devil is always in the details, when they finally hammer out a document that the Obama administration has already indicated it will sign, this could be extremely bad for American gun owners.
“Fortunately, Congressman Walsh had the foresight to understand this,” he continued, “so he introduced this legislation to protect Second Amendment sovereignty. We want the United Nations gun grabbers, and the Obama administration to understand that they are treading in perilous waters if they adopt a treaty that even remotely threatens the firearms freedoms of our citizens.
“We are coming down to the wire on this treaty,” Gottlieb stated. “Our constitutional rights far outweigh the administration’s desire to push its ‘citizen-of-the-world’ philosophy down the throats of American gun owners. We want to see action on the Second Amendment Protection Act, and with 26 new co-sponsors, we are one step closer to achieving that goal.”
With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is one of the nation’s premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States. The Citizens Committee can be reached by phone at (425) 454-4911, on the Internet at www.ccrkba.org or by email to InformationRequest@ccrkba.org.
Source: Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
WHY DEER WERE TARGETED FOR REDUCTION
Click on the file below for the information.
Coalition of Concerned Sportsmen.6.22.2012
Time Running Out for Important Firearms Preemption Legislation
Contact your state legislators TODAY
Despite the state House Judiciary Committee unanimously passing Senate Bill 273 on June 5, stalling tactics are being used in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to delay a floor vote on SB 273 before the summer legislative recess.
Unfortunately, at least 30 amendments have been filed, most of which have been offered by anti-gun Democratic legislators and are designed to kill SB 273. Most outrageous of all amendments include a complete ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, a “ballistic imaging” mandate and a “one-handgun-a-month” rationing scheme. Thus far, attempts to have these amendments deferred have been unsuccessful.
With all state House seats up for re-election this year, it is critical that your legislators demonstrate their Second Amendment support by voting to defeat these anti-gun amendments, and pass SB 273 before the summer legislative recess.
SB 273 would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. Furthermore, it helps mitigate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local gun control ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Currently, there are over 40 municipalities that have passed ordinances contrary to state law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they do not know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Please call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and tell him or her that it is completely unacceptable that a handful of anti-gun Democrat legislators can hold hostage this vital piece pro-gun legislation, and urge him or her to support SB 273 WITHOUT any additional House amendments. For contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
PENNSYLVANIA PARTICIPANTS AND GAME COMMISSION RECEIVE HONORS AT NATIONAL ARCHERY COMPETITION
Pennsylvania student participants and the Pennsylvania Game Commission came away from the recent National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) tournament with some awards and high honors. The event, which took place May 11 and 12, in Louisville, Kentucky, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest archery tournament with 7,804 competitors from 38 states.
“More than 70 students from Pennsylvania made the trek to compete in the tournament, including teams from New Castle Christian Academy, Williams Valley High School and Halifax High School,” said Samantha Pedder, Game Commission outreach coordinator, who oversees NASP in Pennsylvania. “Two students placed in the top 10 in their respective divisions, and almost all shooters posted higher scores at the nationals than at the state tournament!”
Among those who finished in the top ten were Garrett Richardson, from New Castle Christian Academy, who placed third in the fourth grade male division with a score of 279 out of a possible 300. Richardson placed first in this division at the Pennsylvania state tournament with a score of 255.
Katelyn Donely, a tenth grader from Williams Valley High School, placed sixth in the High School Female Division with a score of 289 out of a possible 300. Donely tied for fifth, but finished second in a shoot-off round. She was first in the same division in the Pennsylvania state tournament, with a score of 279.
The Game Commission received recognition at the NASP Coordinator’s Conference, which occurred before the tournament, for reaching the milestone of having 100 schools enrolled in NASP. The Game Commission also was recognized for achieving the greatest percentage increase in school enrollments over the past year from among 47 states and five Canadian provinces that offer NASP.
The World NASP Tournament will occur on Oct. 4-6, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, and any NASP participating school in Pennsylvania is invited to send a team.
In 2010, the Game Commission began coordinating Pennsylvania’s NASP, which helps school districts in Pennsylvania meet physical education curriculum requirements of the state Department of Education, while at the same time introducing them to the world of competitive archery. In 2011, about 350 students from nearly a dozen school districts participated in the state competition, which was volunteer-run at the time.
Earlier this year, on March 9, nearly 500 students from 23 schools competed at the NASP State Tournament held by the Pennsylvania Game Commission at the Penn State Multi-Sport Facility in University Park, Centre County.
Studies conducted by the national NASP organization demonstrate that NASP is a great introduction to the sport of archery, and that many students choose to pursue the sport outside of school.
“NASP fosters an interest in archery for these students, and we hope that the excitement that competitions build will cause students to want to continue to shoot and expand their archery experience,” Pedder said. “We want to encourage them to keep shooting and to consider taking the next steps toward 3-D archery tournaments and, eventually, bowhunting, which are natural avenues for archers to hone and maintain their skills.”
Started in Kentucky, in 2002, NASP has spread throughout the United States, and now is reaching around the world. At the end of the 2011-12 school year, nine million students had gone through NASP lessons in 9,000 schools throughout 47 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Tournaments are held at the state, national and international levels.
NASP is a joint venture that partners with state education and wildlife management agencies and archery equipment manufacturers and organizations to promote student education, physical education and participation in the lifelong sport of archery. The program’s focus is to provide international-style archery training in physical education classes in grades four through 12.
For more information on NASP, visit www.archeryintheschools.org. To get NASP started in a Pennsylvania school, contact Samantha Pedder, at the Game Commission headquarters, at 717-787-4250. Also, Pennsylvania NASP can be found on Facebook by searching for “Penn NASP.”
A video promotion for NASP based on last year’s state tournament can be viewed on the Game Commission’s YouTube site at: http://youtu.be/Wvhvfc8wSBI
To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following:
Website:www.pgc.state.pa.us
Twitter:www.twitter.com/PAGameComm
YouTube:www.youtube.com/pagamecommission
Facebook:www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission
Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Sportsmen's Act Amendment to be Introduced in U.S. Senate
As previously reported, H.R. 4089--the "Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012"--passed the U.S. House of Representatives in April by a bipartisan vote of 274 to 146. The bill will protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.
H.R. 4089 was a compilation of four different bills: H.R. 1558, which amends the "Toxic Substances Control Act";H.R. 3440, the "Recreational Shooting Protection Act"; H.R. 2834, the "Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act";and H.R. 991, the "Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2011."
We are pleased to announce that Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) will be introducing similar legislation in the U.S. Senate next week as an amendment to the Senate farm bill. The Tester-Thune amendment (Amendment 2232) will contain most of the provisions from H.R. 4089, including:
The "Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act": This section amends the Pittman-Robertson Act by adjusting the funding limitations. This allows states more funds, and for a longer period of time, for the creation and maintenance of shooting ranges. The bill encourages federal land agencies to cooperate with state and local authorities to maintain shooting ranges and limits liability for these agencies.
The "Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act": This bill allows for the importation of polar bears legally taken from approved populations in Canada before the 2008 ban.
The Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act: This section specifically excludes ammunition and fishing tackle from the "Toxic Substances Control Act," leaving decisions to state fish and game agencies and the Fish and Wildlife Service, rather than the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has denied petitions to regulate tackle and ammo under TSCA in 1994 and again in 2011. This codifies that the EPA does not have the ability to regulate either type of item, but does not override local, state and other federal regulations.
The amendment will also include:
The "Recreational Lands Self Defense Act": This section would prohibit the Secretary of the Army from enforcing any regulation that keeps an individual from possessing firearms in Army Corps of Engineer Water Resource Development projects or facilities. This language would not change the current legal prohibition of guns and dangerous weapons in federal facilities, such as the Corps Headquarters, Engineering Research Facilities, and lock and dam buildings.
The Army Corps owns 7.6 million acres and manages another 4.1 million acres, making it the largest federal provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property includes 400 lakes and river projects, 90,000 campsites and 4,000 miles of trails.
In advance of next week's introduction, please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor and support the Tester-Thune amendment (Amendment 2232).
You can find contact information for your U.S. Senators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool atwww.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Senators by phone at (202) 224-3121.
Source: NRA / ILA
Firearms Preemption Amendment to be Offered in House Judiciary Committee Tomorrow
Tomorrow, June 5, state Representative Timothy Krieger (R-27) will offer an amendment to Senate Bill 273 in the House Judiciary Committee.
The Krieger amendment would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state.. Furthermore, it would help mitigate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they do not know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Source: NRA / ILA
Life Jackets Focus of National Safe Boating Week
Boating safety experts want to get something off their chest and onto yours – a life jacket. The importance of flotation devices and other watercraft safety tips are the focus of the 2012 National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25.
“During National Safe Boating Week, and throughout the entire boating season, we are reminding boaters to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert while on the water,” said Laurel Anders, director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ‘s (PFBC) Bureau of Boating and Outreach. “By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you.”
Each year, on average, 700 people die in boating-related accidents nationwide. Nearly 80 percent of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. In Pennsylvania, 22 boaters died in 2011 as a result of recreational boating accidents and only three of them were wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.
“People tend to think of boating accidents in terms of collisions – and that is the most common type of reportable boating accident in Pennsylvania,” adds Ryan Walt, PFBC boating and watercraft safety manager. “But the accidents where we have fatalities are the ones where somebody falls overboard, or is swamped in a small boat and then ends up drowning. Those are precisely the accidents where a life jacket can make all the difference.”
Walt emphasizes that life jackets are more comfortable, convenient and lightweight than ever before. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit every person and recreational opportunity. Inflatable life jackets are gaining in popularity because they fit easily over any clothing, can be worn as a vest or belt-pack, and can be another option in addition to more traditional buoyant life jackets.
National Safe Boating Week is scheduled each year as the first full week before Memorial Day weekend, which is often thought of as the unofficial start of warm weather and the boating season in Pennsylvania. Boaters should note that:
Boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) life jacket on board for each person.
Children 12 years of age and younger must wear their life jackets while underway on any boat 20 feet or less in length and on all canoes and kayaks.
The regulation requiring mandatory life jacket use during cold weather months begin November 1. Boaters must wear a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any canoe or kayak during the cold weather months from November 1 through April 30.
Boaters can demonstrate their personal commitment to wearing a life jacket by visiting the PFBC website and submitting the online “Wear It Pennsylvania!” pledge form. The pledge form and a special video by PFBC Executive Director John Arway touting the importance of life jackets can be found at: http://www.fishandboat.com/wear-it-message.htm. In addition to taking the life jacket pledge, boaters can send in their life-saving stories on how they were “Saved By the Jacket” at http://www.fishandboat.com/savelives.
To kick off National Safe Boating Week, the PFBC, state legislators, U.S. Coast Guard and boating organizations will meet in the main rotunda of the state capitol complex on May 24 at 11:30 a.m. for a special event in which participants will simultaneously activate an inflatable life jacket.
As part of its safe boating campaign, the PFBC has created a special media resources web page containing web banners and high resolution photos for graphic artists and reporters to use in stories or as additional images on websites. The page also provides 15- and 30-second public service announcements for radio stations to use. The page is located at: http://fishandboat.com/media-resources/wear-it-media/wear-it-media.htm.
For more information on boating safety, including information on taking a boating safety education course, visit the PFBC’s web site at www.fishandboat.com.
Regional Media Contacts – Please contact a regional outreach coordinator for more information and to set up on-the-water interviews with Waterways Conservation Officers.
Northwest Region (Counties – Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren)
Keith Edwards
(814) 336-2426
kedwards@pa.gov
Southwest Region (Counties - Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, Westmoreland)
Denny Tubbs
(814) 443-9841
dtubbs@pa.gov
Northcentral and Southcentral Regions (NC Counties – Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga, Union; SC Counties - Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York)
Carl Richardson
(717) 705-7848
crichardso@pa.gov
Northeast and Southeast Regions (NE Counties - Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming; SE Counties - Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Schuylkill)
Walt Dietz
(570) 477-2206
wdietz@pa.gov
Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
SPRINGTIME ALERT: DO NOT DISTURB YOUNG WILDLIFE
While this spring’s weather has been a little more variable than usual, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials say one thing for certain is the arrival of this year’s young wildlife, as well as the almost certainty that Pennsylvanians will encounter young wildlife from their backyards to the mountains.
“Whether enjoying your backyard or hiking in the woods, it is time for our annual message for Pennsylvanians to leave wildlife alone and in the wild, especially young of the year,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “Being outdoors in the spring is an enjoyable way to spend time and learn more about nature.
“In the coming days and weeks, it will become common to find young deer, rabbits, birds, raccoons or other wildlife, some of which may appear to be abandoned. Rest assured that in most cases, the young animal is not an orphan or abandoned and the best thing you can do is to leave it alone.”
DuBrock noted adult animals often leave their young while the adults forage for food. Also, wildlife often relies on a natural defensive tactic called the “hider strategy,” where young animals will remain motionless and “hide” in surrounding cover while adults draw the attention of potential predators or other intruders away from their young.
“While it may appear as if the adults are abandoning their young, in reality, this is just the animal using its natural instincts to protect its young,” DuBrock said. “Also, young animals often have camouflaging color patterns to avoid being detected by predators.
“Wild animals are not meant to be pets, and we must all resist our well-meaning and well-intentioned urge to want to care for wildlife. Taking wildlife from its natural settings and into your home may expose or transmit wildlife diseases to people or domestic animals. Wildlife also may carry parasites – such as fleas, ticks or lice – that you wouldn’t want infesting you, your family, your home or your pets.”
DuBrock noted that, each year, people ignore this advice by taking wildlife into their homes and then are urged to undergo treatment for possible exposure to various wildlife-borne diseases, such as rabies.
In addition to protecting public health, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection Director Rich Palmer said that the agency also is concerned with wildlife implications from humans handling wildlife.
“Habituating wildlife to humans is a serious concern, because if wildlife loses its natural fear of humans it can pose a public safety risk,” Palmer said. “For example, a few years ago, a yearling, six-point buck attacked and severely injured two people. Our investigation revealed that a neighboring family had illegally taken the deer into their home and fed it as a fawn. This family continued to feed the deer right up until the time of the attack.
“This particular incident was the subject of numerous news stories around the state, and serves as a fitting example of the possible consequences that can stem from feeding or simply getting too close to wildlife.”
In addition, Palmer noted that it is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $1,500 per animal.
“Under no circumstances will anyone who illegally takes wildlife into captivity be allowed to keep that animal,” Palmer said. “While residents love to view wildlife and are very compassionate, they must enjoy wildlife from a distance and allow nature to run its course.”
Palmer also pointed out that, under a working agreement with state health officials, any “high risk” rabies vector species confiscated after human contact must be euthanized and tested; it cannot be returned to the wild. Though any mammal may carry rabies, species identified in the agreement are: skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, coyotes and groundhogs.
“Except for some species of bats, populations of all other rabies vector species are thriving,” Palmer said. “Therefore, to protect public health and safety, it only makes sense to put down an animal for testing, rather than risk relocating a potentially rabid animal, and to answer the question of whether any people were exposed to the rabies virus.”
DuBrock said it is always wise to avoid wild animals and even unfamiliar domestic pets because of the potential rabies risk.
“Animals infected with rabies may not show obvious symptoms, but still may be able to transmit the disease,” DuBrock.
People can get rabies from the saliva of a rabid animal if they are bitten or scratched, or if the saliva gets into the person’s eyes, mouth or a fresh wound. The last human rabies fatality in Pennsylvania was a 12‑year‑old Lycoming County boy who died in 1984.
Wildlife rehabilitators, who are licensed by the Game Commission, are the only ones that are permitted to care for injured or orphaned wildlife for the purposes of eventual release back into the wild. For those who find wildlife that truly is in need of assistance, a listing of licensed wildlife rehabilitators can be found on the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website (www.pawr.com).
If you are unable to identify a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, contact the Game Commission region office that serves the county in which the animal is found so that you can be referred to the appropriate licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Region office contact information can be found on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor over “ABOUT US” in the menu bar in the banner at the top of the homepage, and then clicking on “Region Information” in the drop-down menu listing.
Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Anti-Gun Amendments Delay House Consideration of Firearms Preemption Legislation
This week, time constraints and a full legislative agenda have delayed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from considering critical firearms preemption legislation, Senate Bill 273.
However, the House was prepared to consider SB 273 yesterday, but stalling tactics were used to draw out the debate and delay a vote on this bill before the summer legislative recess.
Unfortunately, at least thirty amendments have been filed, most of which have been offered by anti-gun Democratic legislators and are designed to kill SB 273. Most outrageous of all amendments include a complete ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, a “ballistic imaging” mandate and a “one-handgun-a-month” rationing scheme.
SB 273, which passed unanimously in the state House Judiciary Committee on June 5, would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. Furthermore, it helps mitigate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local gun control ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they do not know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Please call AND e-mail your state Representative and tell him or her that it is completely unacceptable that a handful of anti-gun Democrat legislators can hold hostage this vital piece pro-gun legislation, and urge him or her to support SB 273 WITHOUT any additional House amendments. For contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
U.S. House Oversight Committee Makes Case for Contempt of Congress in
"Fast and Furious" Investigation
Back in February, U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) promised to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress if Holder didn't hand over Justice Department documents that had been subpoenaed as part of an ongoing investigation into the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' now-infamous "Operation Fast and Furious" gun-walking operation.
This week, Rep. Issa--chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee--made good on the pledge and sent out a draft Contempt Order against Holder to members of the committee. The document makes a case for holding the beleaguered U.S. Attorney General in contempt of Congress due to his ongoing refusal to cooperate with the investigation. While not actually citing Holder with contempt, the document does establish grounds for the charge.
According to a release by the committee, the documents explain what happened in "Fast and Furious," the hardships faced by the family of murdered Border Patrol agent Brian Terry in getting truthful answers about his death, how whistle-blowers have faced retaliation for their actions, and the violent crime and narco-terrorism in Mexico that "Fast and Furious" has enabled.
"This briefing paper and draft contempt report explains the case, to both Members of the Committee and the American people, for holding Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress," said Issa. "In describing the results of the Justice Department's refusal to cooperate--including the hardships the family of a fallen Border Patrol agent have faced in seeking the truth, and retaliation against agents who blew the whistle on gunwalking--this briefing paper provides the facts, on which decisions will be made."
A Newsmax article reports that U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Tex.), also a member of the committee, has asserted that Holder's Justice Department has been given every possible opportunity to cooperate with House and Senate probes, but has chosen not to.
"We are dealing with a specific instance here of the Department of Justice not turning over thousands of pages of documents relating to the death of a border patrol agent and allowing over 2,000 guns to go from the United States into Mexico in violation of both United States and Mexican law. And nobody is willing, in the Justice Department, to work with us," Farenthold said.
"They go after anybody who is a whistleblower. They stonewall at every turn. It is absolutely unacceptable behavior from one branch of government to the other."
NRA-ILA has already reported on how the Obama Administration has endangered lives to justify gun control in the case of "Fast and Furious." The Newsmax article goes on to report that Farenthold, too, believes "Fast and Furious" could have been a set‑up to increase gun control laws. "There are a couple of options as I see it. One: there are some incompetent folks there. The other, more scary, one for me is 'was there any sort of agenda,' Farenthold said."
"One of the results of Operation Fast and Furious was a change in regulatory schemes, that without an Act of Congress, the BATFE now requires gun dealers in border states to file reports on multiple sales of certain types of weapons. So if I were to go out and buy my wife and two daughters a long gun, I would be reported as a possible straw buyer. We are taking away people's Second Amendment rights by executive fiat. Was this the plan all along? That is something the American people need to know."
It is clear that the established policy of the Obama Justice Department and Attorney General Holder is to deny Congress and the American people the truth about “Fast and Furious.” Hopefully, Rep Issa's continued efforts to seek the truth will yield results.
Source: NRA / ILA
House Consideration of Firearms Preemption Legislation Further Delayed
Once again, due to time constraints and a full legislative agenda, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was unable to consider Senate Bill 273, critical firearms preemption legislation. SB 273 is scheduled to be considered by the House of Representatives tomorrow, June 13. Please use this extra time to contact your state Representative in support of SB 273.
SB 273, which passed unanimously in the state House Judiciary Committee on June 5, would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. Furthermore, it helps mitigate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local gun control ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they do not know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Big city mayors are trying to kill this much-needed legislation. Moreover, 23 amendments remained filed, most of which are anti-gun amendments designed to kill SB 273. Most outrageous of all amendments include a complete ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, a “ballistic imaging” mandate and a “one-handgun-a-month” rationing scheme.
Source: NRA / ILA
House Consideration of Firearms Preemption Legislation Delayed
Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was scheduled to consider Senate Bill 273, which passed unanimously in the state House Judiciary Committee on June 5. Unfortunately, due to a crammed legislative agenda, House floor consideration of this bill has been delayed until tomorrow. Please use this extra time to contact your state Representative in support of SB 273.
As amended, SB 273 would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. Furthermore, it helps mitigate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local gun control ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they do not know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Big city mayors are on the offensive in trying to kill this much-needed legislation. Moreover, 23 amendments remained filed, most of which are anti-gun amendments designed to kill SB 273. Most outrageous of all amendments include a complete ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms, a “ballistic imaging” mandate and a “one-handgun-a-month” rationing scheme..
Source: NRA / ILA
Action Alert: Preemption Bill (SB 273) To Stop Criminal Violations Of Gun Owners Rights
Coming To Floor Of The House Monday The 11th
Long-Overdue Preemption Law Changes Coming To The Floor Of The House June 11-Senate Bill 273
As many of you know and have read here on this site, many Pennsylvanians have suffered indignities and worse at the hands of local officials who thumb their nose at our state preemption law on firearms. Pennsylvania district attorneys continued to refuse to enforce the punishments provided in section 6119 of title 18.
For years we have worked diligently to create legislation that will address these problems but to no avail. Rep Metcalfe’s HB 1523 preemption bill has languished in the house after passing overwhelmingly in the Judiciary Committee and the anti-gun groups filed over a dozen anti-gun amendments to try and block passage of this reasonable measure for several months now.
This is unacceptable status for us be politically stonewalled by a small vocal group of philosophically prejudiced legislators who refuse to deal with crime in their own communities……. especially with all the preemption violations that are occurring right now in Pa and often posted on PAFOA.
We have been working diligently to move this legislation forward, rewrite certain sections, and find a vehicle that would give us another legislative option, that vehicle is SB 273.
On June 5, 2012 in Judiciary committee SB 273 was brought up for a vote and two agreed-upon amendments, A11039 & A11033, passed and rewrote SB 273 by striking the previous text and inserting most of the language from House Bill 1523. The other amendment dealt with holding career violent criminals responsible for their crimes.
READ current text of SB 273 here
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0273
Senate Bill 273 is going to come to the floor of the house for second consideration on Monday, June 11 and this is where the amendments, by house rules, will be considered. We are asking you, each of you, to please call everyone in the House of Representatives that you can and voice your support for Senate Bill 273 without any floor amendments. Furthermore, the amendments by Rep. Metcalfe to this legislation are acceptable if they reach the floor for consideration!
Should the Senate Bill 273 passed the House of Representatives and be in an acceptable form then it will go to the Senate for one single vote on the floor called a concurrence vote. From there it will go to the governor's desk for his signature. The more support this legislation has in the house will make it more compelling for the Senate leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote.
So IF you are for the concept of strengthening preemption legislation, along with punishing bad guys using firearms.... please email all the Reps listed to vote for passage of SB 273 without any floor amendments.
PA STATE POLICE SUSPENSION OF 2A FOR
PICS UPGRADE ‘INEXCUSABLE’
A complete shutdown of the Pennsylvania Instant Check System by the state police for a period of 60 hours later this month for a system upgrade is “inexcusable,” the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.
“Closing down the background check system, and thus suspending all firearms transactions and concealed carry license processing simply allows the Pennsylvania State Police to obstruct the gun rights of law-abiding citizens,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan M. Gottlieb. “We are not reassured by a promise from the agency that it will expedite this computer system update in order to restore service as soon as possible. Access to the computers for background checks should not be suspended at all.
“Surely,” he continued, “the State Police can find alternate means of processing firearms transactions and permit applications while the upgrade is in progress.”
The system is scheduled for update from 10 p.m. Saturday, May 19 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 22. Gottlieb said this highlights a problem with such systems when there is no backup. Authorities can literally suspend the Second Amendment by turning off a switch or pulling a plug, he observed, and use whatever excuse they want.
“We live in an age when computer upgrades should be accomplished considerably faster,” Gottlieb said. “Locking down such a vital system that is important to so many Pennsylvania residents for 60 hours is not an ‘inconvenience,’ it’s an outrage.”
Keystone State gun owners will hold their 7th annual Second Amendment Liberty rally tomorrow, May 8 on the main steps in the capitol rotunda. This would be a grand opportunity for firearms owners to contact their state legislators, and the governor’s office, to express their dissatisfaction over the PICS problem, he suggested.
“Since the last time this happened in 2007, Pennsylvania gun owners have been pushing for an end to the PICS system,” Gottlieb noted. “It is time to put the State Police out of the background check business, and turn over this important job to the NICS system operated by the FBI. They do their upgrades faster, and they deal with the entire country.”
Source: Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Pennsylvania Senator is Key to Passage of Pro-Sportsmen Bill
Call Senator Bob Casey, Jr. today to help protect your right to hunt, fish, and shoot!
The most significant pro-sportsmen’s legislation of the past 15 years is now in the U.S. Senate. Pennsylvania’s Senator Bob Casey, Jr. is one of a handful of Senators that can determine whether the bill makes it to President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature.
H.R. 4089, the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012, addresses top priority issues of the sportsmen’s community. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support on Tuesday, April 17th by a vote of 274-146. Read more on H.R. 4089 below.
Without Senator Casey’s support, the bill may not get a vote in the Senate! Pennsylvania sportsmen should call Senator Casey today and ask him to support H.R. 4089.
Facing re-election, Senator Casey is in an influential position to push Senate leadership for a vote on the measure. Sportsmen need to call on the Senator to do just that.
Pennsylvania sportsmen can help protect the future of hunting, fishing, and shooting by contacting Senator Casey and asking for his support. Contact Senator Casey at:
Phone: (202) 224-6324
Fax: (202) 228-0604
Online: Click here to contact Sen. Casey online.
The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012, H.R. 4089, would:
Classify Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands as open to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting unless closed or restricted based on scientific evidence;
Confirm that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot ban lead in traditional ammunition or in sport fishing gear;
Protect recreational shooting on BLM National Monument lands; and
Allow the import of 41 legally hunted polar bear trophies tangled in federal red-tape.
A major focus of the organizations that helped craft H.R. 4089 is to prevent frivolous lawsuits that unfairly restrict the rights of hunters, anglers and shooters and limit wildlife conservation and management. Over the last decade anti-hunting groups and their trial lawyers have filed multiple suits in courts arguing that existing federal law does not allow, or requires restrictions on fishing, hunting, and shooting on federal public lands. Defending against these suits has cost state and federal wildlife agencies and sportsmen’s organizations, including the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), millions of dollars. H.R. 4089 declares that federal BLM and Forest Service lands, which total over 700 million acres, be declared legally open to fishing, hunting, and shooting unless closed by specific agency action.
The bill also protects fishing tackle and ammunition from attacks. Recently, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice of intent to sue the federal government to force the U.S. EPA to ban the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle. Their claim misrepresented the intent of the Toxic Substance Control Act which was enacted in 1976 to allow the EPA to regulate new commercial chemicals entering the market and the distribution of existing chemicals found to pose unreasonable risks to public health or the environment. It was never intended to allow the regulation of ammunition and fishing tackle.
The 41 polar bear trophies were taken before the bear was listed as an endangered species (over strong scientific objections from the hunting and conservation community as well as the Canadian government) but could not be imported legally after the listing occurred. The provision enables hunters to bring home their taxidermy mounts and capes. It does not permit any additional polar bear trophies to be imported into the U.S.
In addition to the USSA, H.R. 4089 is supported by an array of sporting conservation groups including the American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Safari Club International, and many other prominent hunting organizations. A complete listing of supporters can be found here.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
Feinstein Tries to Thwart National Right to Carry
This week, anti-gun Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) did her part to thwart passage of national Right-to-Carry laws by putting a "hold" on the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012, and the Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012.
In keeping with her anti-gun record, Feinstein took action in an effort to oppose the quick passage of the bills. The "hold" does not prevent passage of the bills; it just prevents the legislation from passing by an already unlikely "unanimous consent" vote.
In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Judiciary Committee Chair Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) Feinstein called the bills "dangerous" and said that they would "create potentially life threatening situations for law enforcement officers." She also cited the controversial Trayvon Martin shooting as one of her reasons for trying to sabotage the bills.
Feinstein's misguided campaign to thwart these bills is nothing more than an opportunistic jump back into the ring of gun-control at a time she deems politically expedient.
NRA strongly supports the measures Sen. Feinstein opposes (H.R. 822, S. 2188 and S. 2213).
These self-defense bills would allow honest Americans to protect themselves while traveling.
As of today, 49 states have laws in place that permit their citizens to carry a concealed firearm in some form. Only Illinois and the District of Columbia deny their residents the right to carry concealed firearms outside their homes or businesses for self-defense.
Source: NRA / ILA
Protect Your Rights! Act Now to Support Legal Transportation of Firearms
When Congress passed the Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) in 1986, one of the key provisions of the bill was intended to protect the rights of gun owners to legally transport their firearms between locations where they are legally allowed to possess them.
Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions have chosen to ignore federal law and the courts have upheld these infringements on Second Amendment rights.
H.R. 4269, introduced by U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Bill Owens (D-N.Y.) would amend this provision to ensure it has the effect Congress intended.
Most states have never had a problem with this law. However, both before and after enactment of FOPA, gun owners have had serious problems lawfully travelling with their firearms in two states in particular: New York (especially New York City) and New Jersey. Rather than recognize the intention of Congress to protect the rights of Americans travelling with legally owned firearms, these jurisdictions have used overly restrictive state licensing laws to harass and prosecute travelers.
Many gun owners, for example, have been arrested when trying to check in with firearms for flights out of New York and New Jersey airports. But in NRA-supported civil rights lawsuits contesting those arrests, federal courts have interpreted the law in a way that allows local law enforcement officials to detain or arrest travelers who make every effort to comply with federal law, and that deprive the travelers of any effective remedy after the fact. Many other cases have resulted in guilty pleas to reduced charges, civil penalties, and delayed travel. Due to these improper actions, NRA has been forced to repeatedly warn gun owners that they should avoid using New York or New Jersey airports when traveling.
The refusal of the authorities in some jurisdictions to recognize federal law and the failure of the courts to enforce the provisions of FOPA, makes this legislation necessary.
H.R. 4269 would:
Expand the protections afforded travelers to include "staying in temporary lodging overnight, stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, medical treatment, and any other activity incidental" to the trip.
Put the burden of proof clearly on the state to show that a traveler did not meet the requirements of the law, rather than allow travelers to be arrested and forced to raise the law as an affirmative defense.
Make clear that transportation of both firearms and ammunition is federally protected.
Make clear that the right to transport firearms is judicially enforceable as a federal civil right, with attorney's fees available to victorious plaintiffs in civil suits, as well as to defendants who prevail in criminal cases.
Finally, it's important to note that while the NRA is working to enact a national Right-to-Carry Reciprocity bill this bill does not achieve that. This legislation is intended only to provide real legal protection for people transporting cased and unloaded guns while travelling.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 4269. You can find contact information for your Representative by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at (202) 225-3121.
Source: NRA / ILA
Pennsylvania Firearms Preemption Legislation Needs Your Support Now
Contact your State Legislators TODAY to Support HB 1523 and SB 1438!
The anti-gun extremists are pulling out the stops trying to stop pro-firearm legislation. Yesterday, anti-gun Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) member, along with other MAIG members and other anti-gun mayors were at the state Capitol trying to rally opposition to common sense firearms legislation that will keep law-abiding gun owners from becoming criminals.
Pennsylvania already has a firearms preemption statute giving the state the sole authority to make firearm laws, unfortunately there are several anti-gun mayors, Mayor Nutter included, and municipalities who feel they are above the law.
House Bill 1523 andSenate Bill 1438 would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, these bills would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been threatened and unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Please call AND e-mail your state Legislators TODAY! Urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 1523 and SB 1438 and not to be swayed by anti-gun rhetoric and individuals who have, themselves, broken state law by passing anti-gun legislation in their own municipalities. Contact information for your state Legislators can be found here.
SUPPORT HB 1523 and SB 1438. Your state Legislators do not need to take advice from local politicians who have no regard for the law.
Source: NRA / ILA
"Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" Introduced in U.S. Senate
For the second time in as many weeks, a national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
On March 20, U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced Senate Bill 2213, the "Respecting States' Rights and Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act." NRA strongly supports this measure. Under this self-defense bill, an individual who has met the requirements for a carry permit, or who is otherwise allowed by state law to carry a handgun, would be authorized to carry a handgun in any other state that issues such permits or does not prohibit concealed carry, subject to the laws of the state in which it is carried.
"Congress should recognize that the right to self-defense does not end at state lines," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox. "The NRA has been successfully advocating in favor of strong Right-to-Carry laws for the past 25 years. We take a backseat to no one when it comes to the right of law-abiding Americans to carry concealed handguns for self-defense."
S. 2213 is similar to Senate Bill 2188, which was introduced last week by Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.). S. 2188 is the companion legislation to H.R. 822, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on November 16, 2011 by a majority bipartisan vote of 272 to 154. NRA strongly supports H.R. 822, S. 2188 and S. 2213. (To read a recent letter of support for S. 2213 from Chris W. Cox to Sen. Thune, please click here.) NRA also supported similar legislation in 2009.
None of these bills would affect existing state laws. State laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within each state’s borders.
As of today, 49 states have laws in place that permit their citizens to carry a concealed firearm in some form. Only Illinois and the District of Columbia deny its residents the right to carry concealed firearms outside their homes or businesses for self-defense.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators today and urge them to cosponsor both S. 2213 and S. 2188!
You can find contact information for your U.S. Senators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Senators by phone at (202) 224-3121.
Source: NRA / ILA
Act Now in Support of National Right to Carry Reciprocity
On March 13, U.S. Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced S. 2188, the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2012." The bill is the Senate companion to H. R. 822, which was approved by the U. S. House last November by a vote of 272-154.
S. 2188, like H.R. 822, would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry a concealed handgun in any other state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes. A state's laws governing where concealed handguns may be carried would apply within its borders.
Today 49 states either issue carry permits or otherwise authorize law-abiding people to carry firearms outside the home for self-defense. 41 states have fair "shall issue" permit systems that allow any law-abiding person to get a permit.
In contrast to dire predictions from anti-gun groups, Right-to-Carry laws have been enormously successful. Interstate reciprocity will serve as a fundamental protection of the right to self-defense by providing people with the ability to protect themselves not only in their home states, but anywhere they travel where carry concealed carry is legal.
Contrary to the false claims of some, these bills would not create federal gun registration or gun owner licensing, nor would they allow any federal agency to establish a federal standard for a carry permit or impose gun control restrictions of any kind.
These bills would have no effect on permitless carry laws, currently on the books in Arizona, Alaska, Wyoming and Vermont, that allow concealed carry without a permit. In addition, Vermont residents would be able to take advantage of S. 2188 and H.R. 822 by obtaining a permit from one of the many states that offer non-resident permits.
Please contact your U.S. Senators today and urge them to cosponsor S. 2188. You can call your U.S. Senators at 202-224-3121, or send them an email by clicking here.
Source: NRA / ILA
National Anti-Gun Group Sets its Sights Against Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill
Contact your state Representative TODAY to SUPPORT HB 1523
Billionaire anti-gun activist and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" (MAIG) are once again moving into Pennsylvania. They are now working to try to stop the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from passing House Bill 1523, common sense firearms legislation that will keep law-abiding gun owners from becoming criminals. HB 1523 could be heard on its second consideration in the state House at any time when the legislature returns this coming week, and it needs your active and immediate support.
HB 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been threatened and unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
HB 1523 has already been delayed and this postponement of action has given anti-gun advocacy groups more time to try to rally opposition, like getting MAIG involved. We cannot let anti-gun rhetoric and a New York City Mayor undermine the Second Amendment in Pennsylvania.
As previously reported, anti-gun state Representatives have filed at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to HB 1523. These amendments range from a “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute. Call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support HB 1523 without amendment. We cannot let this critical pro-gun legislation get hijacked by out-of-staters who just believe that all gun owners are criminals.
Don’t forget to forward this alert to your family, friends and fellow gun owners in Pennsylvania and ask them to also call AND e-mail their state Representative. This much-needed pro-gun bill would make major changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s current firearms preemption law and it needs everyone’s help now.
To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Firearms Preemption Enhancement and Workplace Protection Bill Introduced in the Senate
Senate Bill 1438, introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate today, is much-needed legislation that would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law and also protect your right to store your firearm in your privately-owned and locked motor vehicle while parked in publicly accessible parking lots controlled by your employer or a business you frequent.
If enacted, Senate Bill 1438 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly threatened and burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Also, if enacted this bill would protect those employees who on a daily basis have various lawful reasons for carrying a firearm and are often forced to secure that firearm in their vehicle while at work. Employees, who carry a firearm for self-defense on their commute and those who go hunting or target shooting, either before or after work, should not be faced with the possibility of losing their jobs because of a workplace policy that deprives them of their Second Amendment rights.
Anti-gun advocacy groups are already trying to stop this critical legislation, so it is imperative to call, e-mail, fax and write your state Senator TODAY to not only SUPPORT SB 1438, but to become a cosponsor. Contact information for your state Senator can be found here.
Every state Senator in Pennsylvania needs to know that SB 1438 is exactly what law-abiding gun owners want and need passed. That is why it is imperative that you also forward this alert to your family, friends and fellow gun owners across Pennsylvania and ask them to also call AND e-mail their state Senator.
Source: NRA / ILA
DEP ‘Falcon-Cam’ returns
The Department of Environmental Protection has begun its annual live, 24-hour webcast of a nesting pair of peregrine falcons living on a ledge on the Market Street side of the Rachel Carson State Office Building—which is shared by DCNR—in Harrisburg. Three cameras chronicle the falcons while streaming the footage live on the Internet to viewers around the world.
Falcons have nested at the building for 12 years. To date, the nest has produced 53 eggs and 45 hatchlings. Of these, 29 falcons survived; 13 males and 16 females. The gender of one of the nestlings that hatched in 2008, the runt of the clutch, or set of offspring, could not be determined.
Already this year, the resident male, who has been at the site since 2005, has had to defend his territory from an ambitious adolescent tiercel. This development leaves the female falcon with two potential mates this season. Last year, the female falcon laid a clutch of four eggs, and only one hatched. The first eggs of the 2012 breeding season will be laid in late March. The eggs should begin to hatch around mid-May and the young falcons, or “eyases,” will begin to take their first flights, or “fledge” in mid-June.
Follow the falcons by visiting here. There, fans can also sign up to receive the Falcon Wire electronic newsletter. Follow the falcons on Twitter here.
Source: PA DCNR
Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Tabled by the House of Representatives
Contact your state Representative TODAY to SUPPORT HB 1523
This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives moved House Bill 1523 off the active calendar and onto the tabled bill calendar. This recent action came as a disappointment to many supporters in the legislature since the bill was approved in the state House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 4 and was supported by both sides of the aisle.
HB 1523 would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been threatened and unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearms preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don’t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
HB 1523 has already been delayed and that postponement of action has given anti-gun advocacy groups more time to try to rally opposition, like getting billionaire anti-gun activist and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" (MAIG) involved. They are already working to try to stop the state House from passing, this common sense firearms legislation that will keep law-abiding gun owners from becoming criminals.
There are at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to HB 1523 that range from a “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute, which would make MAIG and anti-gun advocacy groups very happy. We cannot let this critical pro-gun legislation get hijacked by out-of-staters who just believe that all gun owners are criminals.
Call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to bring HB 1523 up for its second consideration and to SUPPORT HB 1523 when it comes up for that vote. We cannot let anti-gun rhetoric and a New York City Mayor undermine the Second Amendment in Pennsylvania.
This much-needed pro-gun bill would make major changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s current firearms preemption law and it needs everyone’s help now.
To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Sportsmen’s Heritage Act Clears Key Hurdle
Sportsmen Need to Call Their Congressmen Now
The newly introduced House Resolution 4089—strongly supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) – has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives’ Natural Resources Committee and awaits a vote before the full House. The bill passed the committee by a vote of 27 to 16.
HR 4089, which is a package of four high-priority bills will:
Classify BLM and US Forest Service land as open to hunting, fishing and recreational shooting unless closed or restricted based on scientific evidence;
Confirm that the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot ban lead in traditional ammunition or in sport fishing gear;
Protect recreational shooting on BLM National Monument land; and
Allow the import of legally hunted polar bear trophies now tangled in federal red-tape.
“USSA is pleased that the House Natural Resources Committee took such prompt action to approve H.R. 4089 -- the most important pro-hunting legislation since the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act,” said Bill Horn, USSA Director of Federal Affairs (and former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior). “We tip our hats to the 24 Republicans and three Democrats who supported the bill.”
Click here to view the vote breakdown.
The American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Safari Club International, USSA, and many other organizations are working hard to ensure passage by a broad bi-partisan majority.
Take Action! Every sportsman and sportswoman should contact their Congressman now and urge them to support this groundbreaking bill. Ask your Congressman to vote yes on HR 4089, the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012. To find your Congressman’s contact information, visit USSA's Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Postponed until March
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has again postponed its second consideration of NRA-backed House Bill 1523 - this time until the week of March 12. House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Unfortunately, this delay will give anti-gun advocacy groups more time to try to rally opposition to this common sense legislation. In turn, this also gives us time to contact all our family, friends and fellow gun owners to urge them to also call, e-mail, fax and write our state Representative urging them to not fall for anti-gun rhetoric. Every state Representative in Pennsylvania needs to know that HB 1523 as amended by the state House Judiciary Committee is exactly what law-abiding gun owners want and need passed. We cannot let this critical legislation get hijacked.
As reported, anti-gun Representatives have filed at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to the bill for its second consideration. These amendments range from “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute.
Again, please call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support HB 1523. To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
Governor signs historic Marcellus Shale law
Governor Tom Corbett this week signed House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale bill, into law. The bill enhances protection of our natural resources through stronger environmental standards, authorizes counties to adopt an impact fee, and builds upon efforts to help move Pennsylvania toward energy independence.
The historic measure is the first comprehensive re-write of the state’s Oil and Gas Act since 1984. It contains much of what Corbett outlined in his Marcellus Shale proposal last October. His plan followed the work of the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. House Bill 1950 contains 24 of the legislative recommendations offered by the advisory commission.
“This growing industry will provide new career opportunities that will give our children a reason to stay here in Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. “Thanks to this legislation, this natural resource will safely and fairly fuel our generating plants and heat our homes while creating jobs and powering our state’s economic engine for generations to come.”
The new law enhances environmental standards by:
Increasing well-setback distance from 100 feet to 300 feet for streams, rivers, ponds and other water bodies, and from 200 feet to 500 feet from buildings and private water wells and to 1,000 feet for public drinking water systems.
Expanding an unconventional operator’s “presumed liability” for impairing water quality from 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet from a gas well, and extends the duration from 6 months to 12 months.
Enhancing water quality replacement standards to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Enabling DEP to revoke permits in a more efficient manner to deal with imminent safety or environmental concerns.
Increasing blanket bonds from $25,000 up to $600,000.
Providing for strong, uniform and consistent statewide environmental standards – building upon and incorporating the best practices used by industry leaders.
Enhancing hydraulic fracturing disclosure, including online posting through FracFocus.org.
This law also authorizes counties within the shale regions to adopt an impact fee, which will be used by local communities experiencing the actual impacts of unconventional shale gas development. To recognize the tight economics associated with low natural gas prices, the fee amount can fluctuate annually and is based on the average price of natural gas for the preceding year.
If all eligible counties adopt the fee, estimates for revenue are approximately $180 million in 2012, climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014.
State agencies with a role in mitigating shale gas impacts, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, the Public Utility Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency management Agency, State Fire Commissioner and the Fish and Boat Commission, will receive fixed dollar amounts off the top of the revenues collected from the fee.
After that, 60 percent is directly distributed to impacted counties. A significant percentage of the remaining 40 percent will also be distributed to those counties through either population- or road-mileage-based formulas, or through the awarding of competitive grants.
The new law also provides long-term regulatory predictability for job-creators and capital investors, and helps businesses succeed by providing increased uniformity and fairness of local regulations while preserving local government’s traditional zoning authority. Upon petition, the Public Utility Commission is authorized to review ordinances to make sure they comply with state law.
Finally, the law creates a Natural Gas Energy Development Program, which will provide incentives to convert fleets with vehicles weighing at least 14,000 pounds to compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or bi-fuel vehicles. At least 50 percent of the funds must be used for grants to local transportation organizations, including mass transit agencies.
The law’s provisions authorizing counties to adopt ordinances imposing an impact fee go into effect immediately. The majority of the law takes effect in 60 days.
Source: PA DCNR
Fishing and Hunting Protection Bill Introduced in the U.S. Senate
Protection of fishing, hunting, and shooting on national forest and public lands has taken a step forward with the Senate introduction of the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act. Introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), the measure is backed by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, American Sportfishing Association, National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and others in the angling, hunting and wildlife conservation community.
The bill will protect fishing, hunting, trapping, recreational shooting and wildlife management practices on more than 400 million acres of public land across America managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The measure mandates that these public lands are open until closed for angling, hunting and shooting while enabling the agencies to make specific closures or restrictions determined to be necessary and supported by sound facts and evidence. The bill is patterned after the 1997 National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act which made fishing and hunting “priority public uses” on federal wildlife refuge system lands and has helped protect fishing and hunting there from anti-fishing/anti-hunting zealots.
The new Senate bill also fixes loopholes created by lawsuits by anti-hunting organizations that have hampered hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation. For example, under the bill, the Forest Service can keep its public lands open for hunting and fishing even if nearby state and private lands are also open. Previously, a court had ruled that federal public lands might have to be closed if other nearby lands hosted hunters. Similarly, fish and wildlife conservation and management will remain primary purposes on BLM, Forest and Wildlife Refuge lands reversing court rulings from San Francisco. Restrictions in the 1964 Wilderness Act on motorized access, logging and other commodity uses are expressly not affected by the bill and remain in place.
Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Director of Federal Affairs welcomed the introduction:
“USSA deeply appreciates today’s action by Senators Murkowski and Manchin. We have been working for over a decade in support of this kind of legislation and as threats mount to fishing, hunting and shooting on public lands, the need for this bill grows. We look forward to working with the Senators and their colleagues to get this landmark measure enacted this year and ensure protection in law of our cherished angling and hunting heritage.”
American Sportfishing Association added its support:
“Recreation is the single largest economic output of national forests and grasslands, with 46.5 million anglers spending over $1.2 billion annually to enjoy recreational fishing on USFS lands,” said Gordon Robertson, Vice President of the ASA. “It is astounding that with such high demand, access is still a barrier for millions of anglers. This legislation directs the USFS and BLM managers to not only promote recreational fishing and hunting access, but to further take advantage of one of the biggest economic drivers for the agencies and the rural communities near their lands.”
The National Rifle Association offered its strong support:
“Protecting the traditions of hunting and shooting on our public lands has long been a NRA priority and the Murkowski/Manchin bill does just that. The leadership for sportsmen and sportswomen demonstrated by the two Senators will not be forgotten by us and our members,” said Susan Recce, NRA Director of Conservation.
Safari Club International also hailed the bill:
“By introducing legislation that will protect America’s hunting, shooting, and fishing community for generations to come, Senators Murkowski and Manchin have taken a much needed bi-partisan step forward. Too frequently, the hunting community is dealt lip-service, but Senator Murkowski and Senator Manchin have brought to the Senate serious legislation that will protect hunting for a generation. The companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives is equally important to the future of hunting. On behalf of SCI and all of our partners, we would like for all members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to co-sponsor the ‘sportsmen endorsed’ legislation,” said President of SCI, Kevin Anderson.
Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation added:
“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus has been working with the sportsmen’s community on this Act to allow Federal land planners to evaluate the impacts that management activities have on hunting, fishing and recreational shooting, and to provide a clear analysis of how proposed actions would impact access to Federal lands.”
The new Senate Bill is a companion to legislation passed by the House Natural Resources Committee 29-14. That bill, H.R. 2834, is currently awaiting a vote before the full U.S. House of Representatives.
Contacts:
USSA: Mike Faw, Director of Communications: mfaw@ussportsmen.org
ASA: Gordon Robertson, Vice President: GRobertson@asafishing.org
CSF: Frank Miniter, CSF Communcations Director: frank@sportsmenslink.org
NRA: Susan Recce, NRA Director of Conservation: srecce@nrahq.org
SCI: Nelson Freeman, media@safariclub.org
Source: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Act Now to Stop Obama/Holder Gun Registration Scheme
Recently, a federal district court in Washington, D.C. issued a ruling upholding an Obama administration policy that requires federally licensed firearms retailers in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of semi-automatic rifles. The case was brought by two NRA-backed firearm retailers and by the National Shooting Sports Foundation acting on behalf of its affected members. Plaintiffs have already filed an appeal—but while we await the outcome, your help is urgently needed in seeking congressional action to end this illegal policy.
Devised by Attorney General Eric Holder’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the plan requires all of the 8,700 firearm dealers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to report all sales of two or more semi-automatic rifles within five consecutive business days, if the rifles are larger than .22 caliber and use detachable magazines.
In July 2011, the Justice Department announced that it would proceed with the controversial reporting procedure. During consideration of the FY 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill, pro-gun U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) offered an amendment in committee to prohibit the use of funds for the unauthorized reporting plan and the amendment was passed by a vote of 25-16. Unfortunately, the Rehberg amendment did not make it through the appropriations process.
Much has transpired since then regarding BATFEs’ failed “Operation Fast and Furious,” and evidence is now clear that “Fast and Furious” was used as justification to force the multiple sales reporting requirement.
In early December 2011, CBS Newsreported that BATFE “discussed using their covert operation “Fast and Furious” to argue for controversial new rules about gun sales.” In particular, agency officials wanted guns to fall into Mexican drug cartel hands and be traced back to gun dealers in the U.S. to make a case for requiring the multiple sales reporting.
According to CBS, “Emails show they discussed using the sales, including sales encouraged by ATF, to justify a new gun regulation called Demand Letter 3. That would require some U.S. gun shops to report the sale of multiple rifles or ‘long guns.’”
CBS singled out a July 14, 2010 email sent by BATFE Field Operations Assistant Director Mark Chait to Bill Newell, the agency’s Special Agent in Charge in Phoenix, where “Fast and Furious” was based. In the email, Chait asked Newell to “see if these guns were all purchased from the same [licensed gun dealer] and at one time. We are looking at anecdotal cases to support a demand letter on long gun multiple sales.”
Last March, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) introduced S. 570 -- "a bill to prohibit the Department of Justice from tracking and cataloguing the purchases of multiple rifles and shotguns." The bill would prohibit the use of federal money to fund the multiple sales reporting requirement.
It is imperative that youcontact your U.S. Senators and ask them to cosponsor and support S. 570. You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org, or you can call your U.S. senators at (202) 224-3121.
S. 570 currently has 33 cosponsors. To see if your senators are cosponsors, please click here: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:SN00570:@@@P
Again, it is critically important that you contact your U.S. Senators as soon as possible and urge them to cosponsor and support S. 570. Ask your Senators to defund, and defeat, the Obama/Holder Gun Registration Scheme.
Source: NRA / ILA
Votes on Pro-Gun House Bills Postponed until February
Please continue to contact your state Representative!
Today, the state House Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on two very important firearm bills. Unfortunately, the votes on House Bill 1523 and House Bill 1668 have been delayed until next month. Please continue to call AND e-mail your state Representative urging him or her to support HB 1523 and HB 1668. These much-needed pro-gun bills would make critical changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s firearm laws.
House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don't even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
House Bill 1668, sponsored by state Representative Timothy Kreiger (R-57), would correct a number of problems that have surfaced over the years with the lawful transportation of firearms. This proposal would further define the lawful transportation of firearms in motor vehicles by providing a concrete, reliable method not open to interpretation.
To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
They Pulled HB 1523 AGAIN!
With NO vote taken on Feb 14th and after pulling hb 1523 on Feb 13 as well
Time to take direct action....
They all have email and they can get your messages and LEADERSHIP can run this IF they want to.
Let’s make them want to
YOU can ALSO call their offices and make the phone ring off the hook.
They need to hear from US... NOW
Here is everyone in leadership that has matters
If you want to go the extra effort (why not?) contact them all as the other side has taken the gloves off.
Majority Leadership sets the agenda on what bill run or won't...... We want HB 1523 to run.... see message below
As you can see here shouldn't have that problem, that is IF we do our part to be the squeaky wheel & contact them
Speaker of the House Samuel H. Smith - former sponsor last session hb 1541
shsmith@pahousegop.com
(717) 787-3845
Majority Floor Leader Mike Turzai - Current sponsor to HB 1523
mturzai@pahousegop.com
(717) 772-9943
Minority Floor Leader Frank Dermody - REALLY good guy & votes with US
fdermody@pahouse.net
(717) 787-3566
Majority whip Stan Saylor - Current sponsor to HB 1523
ssaylor@pahousegop.com
(717) 783-6426
Caucus Chair Sandra Major - former sponsor last session hb 1541
smajor@pahousegop.com
(717) 783-2910
Caucus Secretary Mike Vereb
mvereb@pahousegop.com
(717) 705-7164
If you really want to go out here is the rest in leadership positions
Minority Appropriations Committee Chair Joseph F. Markosek - former sponsor last session hb 1541
jmarkose@pahouse.net
Majority Appropriations Committee Chair William F. Adolph Jr.
wadolph@pahousegop.com
Majority Caucus Administrator Richard R. Stevenson - Current sponsor to HB 1523
rstevens@pahousegop.com
(717) 783-6438
Majority Policy Committee Chair Dave Reed
dreed@pahousegop.com
(717) 705- 7173
Subject line in email
Its time to pass HB 1523, Run the bill....
Include this message
WE had enough of the LIES of the Anti-gun groups.
Its time to pass HB 1523, Run the bill....
Stop ALL the amendments. .
Constitution of the United States of America Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Article 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS Right to Bear Arms Section 21.
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.
The Dirty Dozen
As 2012 begins, it’s important to take note of groups that are working against your opportunities to hunt, trap, fish and enjoy the outdoors. To that effect, here is what we call The Dirty Dozen:
1) Humane Society of the United States or HSUS—needs no commentary or introduction to hunters and trappers everywhere, but has been in the news and advertisements recently for sharing only one percent with animal shelters of the $187,515,301.00 the group raked in during 2010. Details are at http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2954.
2) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA—outrageous, radical and out of touch with mainstream America on issues related to pets, food, hunting, trapping, fishing and many other topics. PETA also promotes a vegan lifestyle and has many programs to turn children against farming, hunting, trapping, fishing and other mainstream lifestyles. This group paid legal fees for a convicted animal rights terrorist.
3) Center for Biological Diversity—the CBD makes a living suing mainly the federal government, and then recouping those fees and more. CBD strives to expand the Endangered Species Act to include hundreds of animals and plants. The group has also been involved in some seemingly tangential activities such as passing out condoms in a campaign about controlling the human population.
4) Defenders of Wildlife—works to save and increase the number of wolves, prairie dogs, and other nuisance species roaming America. But there is no doubt Defenders' main focus is their misguided effort to protect and restore wolves throughout the Lower 48 States and in Alaska. They do this without regard to the havoc caused by uncontrolled wolf populations to other wildlife such as moose, elk and mule deer. According the group’s IRS 990, Defenders’ of Wildlife collected more than $29 million in revenue in 2010, spending more than $1.5 million on more fund raising during that period.
5) American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals— ASPCA thinks hunting and trapping are cruel and should be outlawed everywhere, beginning with wildlife refuges. It advances its anti-hunting agenda by lobbying legislators, government officials and policy makers to obtain support for anti-sportsmen legislation. The ASPCA encourages grassroots activists to take part in letter writing campaigns to legislators and encourages boycotts of products tested on animals.
6) Sierra Club—Sierra Club and many of its chapters oppose access by roads to vast tracts of public lands and the group also opposes many scientific wildlife management practices. The Sierra Club’s Legal Defense Fund has frequently sued the federal government over those issues, then sought reimbursement for its legal expenses. Many of its chapters have actively opposed hunting. For example, a New Jersey Sierra Club chapter has been a leader in opposing that state’s bear hunts. The Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter worked to end all hunting in Arizona when Proposition 109 was being considered. The Sierra Club in California opposed bear hunting with hounds. Yes, actions speak louder than words - the Sierra Club and many of its chapters are anti-hunting.
7) Friends of Animals— is opposed to deer, goose, wolf and other types of hunting according to its website information. The group has formed protests against deer management hunts in the Northeast and also formed a protest in Montana opposing wolf hunting.
8) Wild Earth Guardians—is opposed to trapping and worked to end trapping on all public lands in New Mexico, according to the group’s website. WEG also actively opposes wolf and mountain lion hunting.
9) Animal Welfare Institute—sued to stop trapping in Maine because of the Canada lynx. The AWI reports that it wants to “end the torture inflicted on furbearing animals by steel jaw leghold traps and wire snares.” The group’s website also reports that it “…wants to end cruel and irresponsible hunting and trapping, capture and killing for profit …” The group, active since 1951, produces “Trapped Animal” and “Cull of the Wild” brochures filled with sensational mistruths to present its opposition to trapping and the fur industry.
10)Animal Legal Defense Fund—opposes hunting and trapping and notes that “animals are entitled to basic legal rights in our society.” In other words, they believe a squirrel should be able to sue you for hunting it. This group’s IRS 2010 Form 990 reports revenue of more than $5 million – all to take away your outdoor heritage.
11)In Defense of Animals—worldwide organization founded in 1983 that would like to see all hunting banned. It also strongly opposes trapping and other forms of animal use based on the opinion that these acts are unduly exploiting animals.
12)International Fund for Animal Welfare—an international organization that has done considerable work to ban hunting with hounds and seal hunting. It boasts of approximately two million members worldwide, and believes “all animals and humans are linked in fate.” It first gained notoriety when it campaigned to ban Canada seal hunts.
Keep the Dirty Dozen in mind when talking to other sportsmen and friends and family this year. To help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in its efforts to protect hunting, fishing, and trapping, consider a donation by visiting www.ussportsmen.org/donate.
Source: Compliments of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance/ www.ussportsmen.org
Three More Wins for Gun Owners
H.R. 2055—the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012—has been passed by the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and has been sent to the President for his expected signature. This bill contains three NRA-backed provisions that will strengthen our Second Amendment rights and prohibit your federal tax dollars from being used to advance an anti-gun agenda.
Stopping Your Tax Dollars From Funding Anti-Gun Studies
One of the protections expanded and strengthened can be found in Sec. 218 of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (Labor-H) division of the bill. This section prevents the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from using taxpayer dollars to promulgate junk science designed to paint legal gun ownership as a public health hazard. Since 2002, the NIH has spent nearly $5 million on this “research” even though their counterparts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been prevented from funding similar studies since being blocked in 1996 by a NRA-backed provision. The following are just a few examples of the anti-gun research funded using taxpayer dollars:
$2,639,453 was spent by the NIH to investigate whether adolescents 10-19 years old who were treated at the hospital for a gunshot wound were more likely to have consumed alcohol and/or carried a firearm during the time period surrounding their injury than victims of a non-gun assault. Basically, the researchers wanted to know why teenagers who possess firearms illegally and engage in underage drinking and consort with those who do the same-were likely to be involved in violent situations.
$1,980,327 was allocated by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a division of NIH, to determine the relationship between gun violence and the presence of bars and liquor stores. The researchers posited that communities could lower homicide and suicide rates by improving zoning regulations for “alcohol outlets.”
$35,933 in federal funding was used to “understand the determinants of firearm ownership and storage practices” and “measure attitudes and beliefs about firearms” among parents. The study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development through NIH, and aimed to solidify the notion that a “home free of hazards” was essential to children’s safety and well-being.
These junk science studies and others like them are designed to provide ammunition for the gun control lobby by advancing the false notion that legal gun ownership is a danger to the public health instead of an inalienable right.
No Tax Dollars to Lobby and Promote Gun Control
The second is a new NRA-backed provision that is found in Sec. 503 of the Labor-H division. This section prevents federal funds from being used for lobbying efforts designed to support or defeat the passage of legislation being considered by Congress, or any state or local legislative body. Too often, community action groups are utilizing federal money to lobby for increased regulation of firearms including trigger locks, bans on semi-automatic rifles, regulated magazine capacity, etc. This funding subverts the Second Amendment and allows anti-gun Administrations to fund grassroots gun control efforts using taxpayer dollars. We are grateful that H.R. 2055 prohibits further use of this gun control scheme.
Protecting Historic Firearms and Spent Brass Casings from Destruction
Finally, a long-standing provision, found in Department of Defense (DOD) Sec. 8017 division A, preserves the opportunity for American gun owners to purchase surplus firearms that are no longer of use to the U.S. military. This includes M-1 Carbines, M-1 Garand rifles, M-14 rifles, .22 caliber rifles, .30 caliber rifles and M-1911 pistols. Starting in 1979, different versions of this language have prevented these firearms from being needlessly destroyed. In 2009, Congress amended this language at the urging of the NRA to prevent the destruction of spent brass casings, a boon for gun owners and reloaders concerned about the rising price of ammunition.
Source: NRA / ILA
Firearms Preemption Enhancement Bill Hearing Postponed
Vote Now Expected Monday, February 13, 2012
Please Continue to Contact your state Representative!
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives postponed its second consideration of NRA-backed House Bill 1523due to the Marcellus Shale drilling debate. Anti-gun advocacy groups are lobbying hard to derail this common sense legislation. As predicted, anti-gun Representatives have filed at least thirteen anti-gun amendments to the bill for second consideration. These amendments range from “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute. We cannot let them hijack this critical legislation.
It is imperative that you call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support HB 1523 and OPPOSE any and all House floor amendments. This much-needed pro-gun bill would make major changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s current firearm preemption law.
House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.
Again, please call AND e-mail your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support HB 1523 as amended by the state House Judiciary Committee. To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.
Source: NRA / ILA
ALERT & UPDATE Feb 8th
WE GOT a RED ALERT and a CALL for immediate Activist Action required please contact Reps TODAY
HB 1523 is on 2nd consideration for Feb 8th 2012 Session starts at 11am and this can be voted any time today.
FYI 2nd consideration is when any member can file an amendment including anti-gun ones.
Currently there are at least a dozen plus ALL anti-gun amendments filed at least 3 are ghost just a number and NO TEXT.
Kim Stolfer has a write up on them see attached document IF you need details
SEND a simple message to ALL Reps listed
VOTE NO on ALL amendments
First Batch email are current sponsors to HB 1523
Thank them for their support.
raument@pahousegop.com; mbaker@pahousegop.com; jbear@pahousegop.com; kbenning@pahousegop.com;sbloom@pahousegop.com; mbrooks@pahousegop.com; tcaltagi@pahouse.net; mcauser@pahousegop.com; jchristi@pahousegop.com;dcosta@pahouse.net; jcox@pahousegop.com; tcreight@pahousegop.com;bcutler@pahousegop.com; gdenling@pahousegop.com;bellis@pahousegop.com; jemrick@pahousegop.com; eevankovich@pahousegop.com;mgabler@pahousegop.com; cgeorge@pahouse.net; jgibbons@pahouse.net;
mgillen@pahousegop.com; ngoodman@pahouse.net; ggrell@pahousegop.com; sgrove@pahousegop.com; mhahn@pahousegop.com; tharhai@pahouse.net; jharhart@pahousegop.com;aharris@pahousegop.com; dheffley@pahousegop.com;shelm@pahousegop.com; dhess@pahousegop.com; dhickern@pahousegop.com;shutchin@pahousegop.com;rkauffma@pahousegop.com;fkeller@pahousegop.com; mkeller@pahousegop.com; jknowles@pahousegop.com;bkortz@pahouse.net; nkotik@pahouse.net; tkrieger@pahousegop.com;jlawrenc@pahousegop.com;mlongiet@pahouse.net; dmaloney@pahousegop.com;Jmarshall@pahousegop.com;dmetcalf@pahousegop.com;cmetzgar@pahousegop.com;dmillard@pahousegop.com;rmiller@pahousegop.com; dmoul@pahousegop.com; mmustio@pahousegop.com; bneuman@pahouse.net; doberlan@pahousegop.com;sperry@pahousegop.com; jpetrarc@pahouse.net; jpyle@pahousegop.com; klrapp@pahousegop.com; hreadsha@pahouse.net; broae@pahousegop.com; trock@pahousegop.com; rsaccone@pahousegop.com;ssaylor@pahousegop.com; estaback@pahouse.net; jstern@pahousegop.com; rstevens@pahousegop.com;rswanger@pahousegop.com;wtallman@pahousegop.com;ttoohil@pahousegop.com; mturzai@pahousegop.com; rvulakov@pahousegop.com;jwhite@pahouse.net;
2nd Batch email are Reps that voted for HB 1523 in Judiciary committee but are not sponsors PLEASE THANK them for there vote on Feb 6th
jbrennan@pahouse.net; kgillesp@pahousegop.com;rmarsico@pahousegop.com;boneill@pahousegop.com; tstephens@pahousegop.com;mtoepel@pahousegop.com; dkula@pahouse.net;
3rd Batch email are NOT current sponsors to HB 1523
sboyd@pahousegop.com;fburns@pahouse.net;pclymer@pahousegop.com; gday@pahousegop.com;geverett@pahousegop.com; mfleck@pahousegop.com;jhornama@pahouse.net;tmahoney@pahouse.net;smajor@pahousegop.com;jmarkose@pahouse.net;tquigley@pahousegop.com; mreese@pahousegop.com;cschrode@pahousegop.com; shsmith@pahousegop.com; csonney@pahousegop.com; bboyle@pahouse.net;rbuxton@pahouse.net;pcosta@pahouse.net;tdavis@pahouse.net;jgallowa@pahouse.net;thenness@pahousegop.com; aravenstahl@pahouse.net; cross@pahousegop.com;dsantoni@pahouse.net;jtaylor@pahousegop.com; jwheatley@pahouse.net;wadolph@pahousegop.com; bbarbin@pahouse.net;sbarrar@pahousegop.com; kboback@pahousegop.com; rbrown@pahousegop.com;mcarroll@pahouse.net;sconklin@pahouse.net;lculver@pahousegop.com; pdaley@pahouse.net;ddeasy@pahouse.net;sdelozie@pahousegop.com; tdeluca@pahouse.net;fdermody@pahouse.net;wdeweese@pahouse.net;gdigirol@pahousegop.com; gdunbar@pahousegop.com; jevans@pahousegop.com;ffabrizi@pahouse.net;Ffarry@pahousegop.com;rgeist@pahousegop.com;mgergely@pahouse.net;mgingric@pahousegop.com; rgodshal@pahousegop.com; jhackett@pahousegop.com; ghaluska@pahouse.net;mhanna@pahouse.net;pharkins@pahouse.net;kharper@pahousegop.com; wkampf@pahousegop.com;skavulich@pahouse.net;tkillion@pahousegop.com; jmaher@pahousegop.com;kmasser@pahousegop.com; rmatzie@pahouse.net;NickMicc@pahousegop.com; nmicozzi@pahousegop.com; dmilne@pahousegop.com;rmirabito@pahouse.net;gmullery@pahouse.net;kmurphy@pahouse.net;tmurt@pahousegop.com;epashins@pahouse.net;jpayne@pahousegop.com;mpeifer@pahousegop.com; spetri@pahousegop.com;tpickett@pahousegop.com; mquinn@pahousegop.com;dreed@pahousegop.com;csainato@pahouse.net;mscavell@pahousegop.com; jsimmons@pahousegop.com; ksmith@pahouse.net;mhsmith@pahouse.net;mtobash@pahousegop.com; dtruitt@pahousegop.com; mvereb@pahousegop.com;kwatson@pahousegop.com;
PLEASE ASK ALL of them to VOTE NO on ALL amendments to HB 1523
Metcalfe Private Firearm Ownership Protection Act
on Target for House Consideration
The House Judiciary Committee today approved legislation sponsored by State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) to impose financial penalties against any city, township or other jurisdiction that illegally adopts a local firearm ordinance.
Metcalfe introduced the Private Firearm Ownership Protection Act in response to cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that have already violated Section 6120 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code that specifically prohibits local firearm laws. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would require the offending local jurisdiction to reimburse any plaintiff or organization that successfully challenges an illegal local firearm ordinance for actual damages, reasonable attorney fees and other legal costs.
“Article 1, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution affirms in no uncertain terms that: ‘The right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned,’” said Metcalfe. “The purpose of my legislation is to financially deter and/or punish any local government body or official who blatantly violates the clearly established boundaries of our state law and our Constitutions by arbitrarily enacting gun control measures that leave law-abiding citizens disarmed and defenseless against violent intruders.”
Approved by the House Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support, House Bill 1523 now advances to the full House for consideration. For the latest Second Amendment legislative updates or to sign the “Standing Up to Gun Control” petition, visit RepMetcalfe.com.
Source: State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler)
House Judiciary Committee vote was 19-4 for passage
THANK YOU to ALL that contacted the Reps
You can view the amended HB 1523 here
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1523
Legislative ALERT & UPDATE
HB 1523 is scheduled for a vote on Feb 6th 2012 @ 11 am in JUDICIARY COMMITTEE for a vote please contact All JUDICIARY COMMITTEE members listed
House JUDICIARY Committee Reps-- http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...?cde=24&body=H
HB 1523 is Rep. Daryl Metcalfe’ legislation to correct Pre-emption ViolationsWE WANT them to VOTE FOR HB 1523 -- 70 Reps signed on as sponsors to HB 1523
*Important* Pro Gun Vote Scheduled in Judiciary Committee Monday, February 6th
The PA House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on VERY important pro-gun legislation on Monday, February 6th
House Bill 1523 was introduced by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe to address the issues that continue to result in violations of Pennsylvania’s preemption law that prohibits local communities from enacting their own gun laws. Since there appears to be an unwillingness by the district attorney's in the counties where these flagrant violations are occurring to hold accountable these local communities criminally as is provided for in the law, this legislation provides for the option to hold these communities and those who enact the laws civilly responsible by imposing financial penalties.
Representative Daryl Metcalfe is to be commended for doggedly pursuing these local communities flagrant violations of the law and attempting to institute an appropriate remedial action option.
FOAC will grade a vote in support of this legislation as pro-gun! We encourage all gunowners to take a long look at this legislation as well and consider contacting their representatives!
Read About HB 1523 Here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...type=B&BN=1523
Unfortunately HB 1668, Rep. Tim Krieger’ legislation to fix the current law regarding the transportation of firearms, is once again being stalled in committee for unknown reasons -- WE WANT THIS legislation brought up for a VOTE as well and with 99 co-sponsors (nearly HALF of the House of Representatives) it is time that this legislation is also considered by the House Judiciary Committee. Read About HB 1668 Here:http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...type=B&BN=1668
FOAC will grade a vote in support of this legislation as pro-gun. We encourage all gunowners to take a long look at this and consider contacting their representatives!
Please focus your attention on your Representative (if he/she is a Judiciary Committee member) and then next on the Judiciary Committee members who have ‘not’ yet committed to this legislation.
Thank you!!!
Kim Stolfer
ACSL, Legislative Committee, Chairman
www.acslpa.org
FOAC, Chairman
www.foac-pac.org
PSA, Legislative Committee, Vice-Chairman
Please contact the PA House Judiciary Committee Members as listed below:
Ronald S. Marsico ( R ) Chairman of Judiciary Committee - thx him for allowing the vote
rmarsico@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7832014 fax (717) 7052010 x
Thomas R. Caltagirone ( D ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
tcaltagi@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7873525 fax (717) 7725401
Matthew Bradford ( D )
mbradford@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7722572 fax (717) 7722360
Joseph F. Brennan ( D )
jbrennan@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7729902 fax (717) 7722284
Dom Costa ( D ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
dcosta@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7839114 fax (717) 7804761
Thomas C. Creighton ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
tcreight@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7725290 fax (717) 7831904
Bryan Cutler ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
bcutler@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7836424 fax (717) 7729859
Sheryl Delozier ( R ) past sponsor to unloaded firearms
sdelozie@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7835282 fax (717) 772-9994
Eugene DePasquale ( D )
edepasqu@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7877514 fax (717) 7804765
Brian L. Ellis ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
bellis@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7877686 fax (717) 2606573
Keith J. Gillespie ( R )
kgillesp@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7057167 fax (717) 7729869
Glen R. Grell ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
ggrell@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7832063 fax (717) 7057012
Mark K. Keller ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
mkeller@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7831593 fax (717) 7057012
Tim Krieger ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor xHB1668 PRIME Sponsor - make sure to thx
tkrieger@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 2606146 fax (717) 2606501
Deberah Kula ( D ) past sponsor to Preemption x HB1668 Sponsor
dkula@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7721858 fax (717) 7804784
Brandon Neuman ( D ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
bneuman@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7834834 fax (717) 7051887
Bernard T. O'Neill ( R )
boneill@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7057170 fax (717) 7833278
Todd Rock ( R )x HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
trock@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7835218 fax (717) 2606505
Rick Saccone ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
rsaccone@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 260-6122
Todd Stephens ( R )
tstephens@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 260-6163
Marcy Toepel ( R )
mtoepel@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7879501 fax (717) 7878215
Tarah Toohil ( R ) x HB1523 Sponsor
ttoohil@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 2606136
Jesse White ( D ) HB1523 Sponsor xHB1668 Sponsor
jwhite@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7836437
John P. Sabatina ( D ) expect a Nay votes
jsabatin@pahouse.net
hbg(717) 7724032 fax (717) 7831579
Ronald G. Waters ( D ) expect a Nay votes
rwaters@pahouse.net
hbg(717) 7729850 fax (717) 7831516
Batch Judiciary Committee Members E-MAIL Addresses are below:
rmarsico@pahousegop.com;tcaltagi@pahouse.net; mbradford@pahouse.net; jbrennan@pahouse.net; dcosta@pahouse.net; tcreight@pahousegop.com;bcutler@pahousegop.com; sdelozie@pahousegop.com;edepasqu@pahouse.net; bellis@pahousegop.com; kgillesp@pahousegop.com;ggrell@pahousegop.com; mkeller@pahousegop.com; tkrieger@pahousegop.com;dkula@pahouse.net; bneuman@pahouse.net; boneill@pahousegop.com; trock@pahousegop.com; rsaccone@pahousegop.com;tstephens@pahousegop.com;mtoepel@pahousegop.com; ttoohil@pahousegop.com; jwhite@pahouse.net;
PLEASE CONTACT ALL Representatives, by E-Mails, Phone and fax and ask them to become co-sponsors, IF they are not already co-sponsors, as well as to vote FOR HB 1523 & HB 1668
The article below shows that some in local government are comfortable with a double standard of justice so THEY are NOT held accountable for breaking the law!
http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-02/news/31016995_1_illegal-guns-gun-violence-gun-owners
Will state disarm the city on gun law
FOUR YEARS AGO, City Council passed a law requiring gun owners whose firearms were lost or stolen to report the missing weapons to police within 24 hours or face fines of up to $2,000 and 90 days in jail.
The idea was to thwart "straw purchasers," people who buy guns legally and then sell or give them to criminals. Police tracing crime guns often hit a dead-end when their legal owners say that their guns were long-lost or stolen.
Other cities beset by gun violence followed Philly's lead, even though Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2008 rejected a proposal to pass a statewide law to report lost or stolen handguns. Forty-eight municipalities statewide - from sprawling metropolises like Pittsburgh to tiny burgs like Oxford, in Chester County - now have local laws requiring timely reporting of lost or stolen guns or have passed resolutions asking the state to do so.
But now, under a bill that state lawmakers are considering, Philadelphia and its followers could face financial penalties for enacting gun-control measures that supersede state law. The bill, introduced in May by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, would allow any gun owner challenging the local ordinances to collect attorneys' fees and damages from the city that passed the ordinance.
The bill may come up for discussion and a vote Monday in the House Judiciary Committee. Discussion on the bill was postponed last week, after gun-control activists lobbied to oppose it.
The issue is key in Philadelphia, where Mayor Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey blame gun violence for the city's murder spike - 85 percent of last year's 324 murder victims were shot, and Nutter last week announced $500 rewards to tipsters who out anyone with illegal guns.
This bill sets the stage for a showdown between gun-rights supporters and illegal-gun foes like Nutter and Ramsey, who say that gun control is the city's best hope for reducing violence. The state and city long have wrestled in court over the city's right to enact gun-control laws.
"We're against any measure that would inhibit the city's ability to seek legislative remedies in order to get perpetrators and their illegal guns off the streets of Philadelphia," said Mark McDonald, a Nutter spokesman.
Today, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson plans to introduce a resolution urging the Judiciary Committee to reject the bill.
Max Nacheman, director of CeaseFirePA, called the bill a bullying tactic aimed at reversing the local ordinances and crippling towns from clearing their streets of illegal guns.
"These guns aren't coming off container ports at sea," Nacheman said. "These are guns that were all, at one point or another, bought legally. You can't lose a gun in a couch cushion like you can lose a TV remote."
But supporters say that lost-and-stolen-gun reporting requirements penalize lawful gun owners and do little to affect illegal-gun trafficking.
Further, gun restrictions that vary among municipalities make enforcement impossible, said state Rep. Thomas R. Caltagirone, D-Reading, a bill co-sponsor and minority leader of the Judiciary Committee.
"You can't have a hodgepodge all over the state; it don't work that way," Caltagirone said. "If it's going to be done, it has to be done statewide."
More than 350 firearms have been reported missing in Philly since 2008, when the city enacted its reporting law, police spokesman Lt. Ray Evers said.
Evers could not provide similar data for firearms reported stolen.
Governor Corbett announces $31.5 million investment in recreation, conservation, community revitalization projects statewide
Governor Tom Corbett on Dec. 15 announced an investment of $31.5 million for 218 conservation and recreation projects designed to protect natural resources and revitalize communities across the state.
“The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of their parks and trails, access to rivers, open spaces and opportunities to be active outdoors,” Gov. Corbett said. “Through these grants, we’re able to fund hundreds of projects to help conserve and enhance our natural assets.”
Corbett, joined by DCNR Secretary Rick Allan and Rep. Mike Vereb, said these investments include a $202,000 grant to Montgomery County for improvements to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park. The work will include providing better access for people with disabilities to the river and to fishing, which is important to the adjacent county geriatric center; along with a canoe/kayak launch area; trails to the existing wildlife exhibit area along the river; a new rustic picnic area with pavilion; new signage; native plantings; and enhanced parking.
“We have a wealth of parks and forests and every citizen of this state lives within 25 miles of a state park, but we also know that community parks, with miles of trails and water and green spaces, play an important part of our lives and keep us connected to nature,” the governor said. “That’s what makes this series of grants so important.”
The DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships grant program combines several funding sources into one grant program. Funding comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal funds.
The grants will support a variety of proposals, including 43 trail projects; protecting 3,051 acres of open space; supporting 122 community parks; 12 river conservation projects; and 41 projects for regional and statewide heritage area, park, greenway and trail initiatives.
“We at DCNR work every day to make connections between communities and citizens with outdoor recreation projects like this,” said Secretary Allan. “The thing that people want most is outdoor recreation close to their homes, whether its trails, whether it’s in a park or recreation facility near them, they want them close to their homes and their communities. Our community conservation partnership program grants allow us to work with communities and nonprofits in order to make these things work.
“The grants provide for the funding, planning and acquisition of parks, trails and conservation areas. We make these investments because we know that these assets help keep families healthy and help keep us economically vibrant, with great places to live, work and play,” Allan said.
DCNR has placed a stronger emphasis on encouraging projects that develop green and sustainable practices and has made a number of resources available at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/greening/greeninggrants.aspx.
Some other funded projects include:
The City of York will rehabilitate Penn Park, a 15-acre, 269-year-old park within two blocks of the heart of downtown. Development will include a “splash pad” with runoff water being recycled through a rain garden to reduce the impact on the storm drain system and to be used to water lawn areas.
Towamencin Township in Montgomery County will implement a DCNR-funded master site plan for its 74-acre Fischer Park by creating a woodland sensory garden and boardwalk; developing a porous parking lot, rain gardens and bioswales to manage storm water; protecting critical buffer habitats along the stream in the park; incorporating skylights and use energy-efficient energy systems in a new restroom; and creating a native plants meadow which will not require frequent mowing.
Lower Macungie Township in Lehigh County will begin developing Camp Olympic, and will create community gardens; an eco play area designed with natural materials and play equipment and durable art pieces that have an environmental and educational theme; and remove invasive species. This park will manage storm water through rain gardens and bioswales, and explanatory signage will be included to illustrate the benefits and functions of these best management practices.
The department also has put a considerable effort into implementing trail-related recommendations from the statewide outdoor recreation plan, and many trail projects are being funded, including: $2.3 million for motorized trails for the opening of Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Northumberland County with an expected 200 miles of trails for off-road vehicles; and the acquisition of 1,200 acres for an off-highway vehicle park in Armstrong County.
More than $2.3 million is being provided to Heritage Areas including: developing educational and interpretative signage for mobile devices; further development of the Mainline Canal Greenway and D&L and Schuylkill river trails; water trail enhancements, river town assessments; scenic byways; and to plan and market heritage tourism events.
For a list of grants by county, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/index.aspx.
Source: PA DCNR
Obama Administration Grabs for Broader Powers
In a controversial new policy, the Obama Administration plans to broaden the reach of the already far reaching federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The new policy will make it easier to list more species of fish and wildlife as “endangered or threatened” and more broadly impose the ESA’s many restrictions. Greater limitations on fishing and hunting, wildlife management, and public land access are a likely result.
The proposed policy, released on December 9 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), see http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-09/pdf/2011-31782.pdf which newly interprets an old statutory term in the ESA: “a significant portion of its range,” or SPR for short. Under the new interpretation, if a species is endangered or threatened in its SPR, it will be listed (and subject to the full range of ESA restrictions) in ALL areas where it is found even if not endangered or threatened in those other areas. The policy admits “we recognize this interpretation may lead to application of the protections of the Act in areas in which a species is not currently endangered or threatened with extinction, and in some circumstances may lead to the expenditure of resources without concomitant conservation benefits.”
Furthermore, those federal agencies admit that “application of the draft policy would result in the Services listing and protecting throughout their ranges species that previously we would not have listed, or would have listed in only portions of their ranges.”
Previously the SPR term had been regarded as a restriction on determining the existence of endangered or threatened species and the geographic scope of related ESA restrictions. In fact, when the original ESA was signed into law in 1973, that was precisely the meaning ascribed to SPR: “the term ‘significant portion of its range’ is used … to provide the Secretary with the authority to protect a [fish or wildlife] population [not the whole species] unique to some portion of the country.” The proposed Obama policy turns this intent on its head and recasts SPR as the basis for expanding species listings and the on-the-ground effect of such listings.
What does this mean to anglers and hunters? U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is worried that it gives the anti-angling, anti-hunting animal rights lobby more ammunition to attack our community. For example, activists have been pushing hard to put sage grouse on the list of endangered or threatened species. If they can show that the grouse are “threatened” in one area (and it’s a “significant portion of its range”), then all of the grouse could be listed – and made off limits to hunting everywhere. Anglers could face similar restrictions – get a species listed because it is in trouble in one area, then it’s off-limits everywhere because “this interpretation may lead to application of the protections [and restrictions] of the Act in areas in which a species is not currently endangered or threatened.”
Besides these threats – plainly stated in the proposed policy – new rounds of litigation impacting a wide variety of fish and wildlife species are almost guaranteed. The policy opines that “Congressional intent regarding the SPR phrase is unclear” and admits that court rulings interpreting the phrase are also inconsistent. The USFWS and NMFS are plowing ahead to twist and broaden the meaning of this phrase which will spawn litigation, create more costs to taxpayers, and open more opportunities for activists, including activist judges, to call the shots on fish and wildlife management.
We shouldn’t be surprised by this action. Broader federal power, more regulations, hostility to state management of fish and wildlife, and a determination to spend more federal money (even where public benefits aren’t clear) have been hallmarks of the Obama Administration. Reinterpreting the ESA as part of its continuing federal power grab is just par for the course.
USSA has carefully read 20 pages of Federal Register fine print and will be re-reading it again to see if there are any other buried regulatory “gotchas.” Public comments can be filed by February 7, 2012, and you can be sure we will be registering our strong opposition.
Source: By Bill Horn, Director of Federal Affairs, USSA
PA House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Action Imminent
The PA House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on two important pro-gun pieces of legislation up for a vote next week on January 24
House Bill 1668 is meant to address the weaknesses in Pennsylvania law regarding the transportation of firearms and the criteria for which has created many hardships for Pennsylvania gunowners.
This bill was introduced by Rep. Tim Krieger who is to be commended for his willingness to take on this thorny social issue and try to resolve some of the mistakes that continue to plague citizens across this Commonwealth!
FOAC will grade a vote in support of this legislation as pro-gun. We encourage all gunowners to take a long look at this and consider contacting their representatives!
Read About HB 1668 Here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1668
House Bill 1523 was introduced by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe to address the issues that continue to result in violations of Pennsylvania’s preemption law that prohibits local communities from enacting their own gun laws. Since there appears to be an unwillingness by the district attorney's in the counties where these flagrant violations are occurring to hold accountable these local communities criminally as is provided for in the law, this legislation provides for the option to hold these communities and those who enact the laws civilly responsible by imposing financial penalties.
Representative Daryl Metcalfe is to be commended for doggedly pursuing these local communities flagrant violations of the law and attempting to institute an appropriate remedial action option.
FOAC will grade a vote in support of this legislation as pro-gun! We encourage all gunowners to take a long look at this legislation as well and consider contacting their representatives!
Read About HB 1523 Here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1523
**Note
HB 1523 is Rep Metcalfe’ legislation to correct Preemption Violations -- WE WANT them to VOTE FOR HB 1523
67 Reps signed on as sponsors to HB 1523
HB 1668 is Rep Krieger’ legislation to fix the current law regarding the transportation of firearms -- WE WANT them to VOTE FOR HB 1668
99 Reps signed on as sponsors to HB 1668
Please focus your attention on your Representative (if he/she is a Judiciary Committee member) and then next on the Judiciary Committee members who have ‘not’ yet committed to this legislation.
Thank you!!!
Kim Stolfer
ACSL, Legislative Committee, Chairman
www.acslpa.org
FOAC, Chairman
www.foac-pac.org
PSA, Legislative Committee, Vice-Chairman
Please contact the PA House Judiciary Committee Members as listed below:
House JUDICIARY Committee Representatives contact information
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...?cde=24&body=H
Ronald S. Marsico ( R ) Chairman of Judiciary Committee - thx him for allowing the votes
rmarsico@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7832014 fax (717) 7052010 x
Thomas R. Caltagirone ( D ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
tcaltagi@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7873525 fax (717) 7725401
Matthew Bradford ( D )
mbradford@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7722572 fax (717) 7722360
Joseph F. Brennan ( D )
jbrennan@pahouse..net
hbg (717) 7729902 fax (717) 7722284
Dom Costa ( D ) HB1668 Sponsor
dcosta@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7839114 fax (717) 7804761
Thomas C. Creighton ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
tcreight@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7725290 fax (717) 7831904
Bryan Cutler ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
bcutler@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7836424 fax (717) 7729859
Sheryl Delozier ( R ) past sponsor to unloaded firearms
sdelozie@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7835282 fax (717) 772-9994
Eugene DePasquale ( D )
edepasqu@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7877514 fax (717) 7804765
Brian L. Ellis ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
bellis@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7877686 fax (717) 2606573
Keith J. Gillespie ( R )
kgillesp@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7057167 fax (717) 7729869
Glen R. Grell ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
ggrell@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7832063 fax (717) 7057012
Mark K. Keller ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
mkeller@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7831593 fax (717) 7057012
Tim Krieger ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor xHB1668 PRIME Sponsor - make sure to thx
tkrieger@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 2606146 fax (717) 2606501
Deberah Kula ( D ) past sponsor to Preemption x HB1668 Sponsor
dkula@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7721858 fax (717) 7804784
Brandon Neuman ( D ) HB1668 Sponsor
bneuman@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7834834 fax (717) 7051887
Bernard T. O'Neill ( R )
boneill@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7057170 fax (717) 7833278
Todd Rock ( R )x HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
trock@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7835218 fax (717) 2606505
Rick Saccone ( R ) HB1523 Sponsor x HB1668 Sponsor
rsaccone@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 260-6122
Todd Stephens ( R )
tstephens@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 260-6163
Marcy Toepel ( R )
mtoepel@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 7879501 fax (717) 7878215
Tarah Toohil ( R ) x HB1523 Sponsor
ttoohil@pahousegop.com
hbg (717) 2606136
Jesse White ( D ) HB1523 Sponsor xHB1668 Sponsor
jwhite@pahouse.net
hbg (717) 7836437
John P. Sabatina ( D ) expect a Nay votes
jsabatin@pahouse.net
hbg(717) 7724032 fax (717) 7831579
Ronald G. Waters ( D ) expect a Nay votes
rwaters@pahouse.net
hbg(717) 7729850 fax (717) 7831516
Batch EMAIL
rmarsico@pahousegop.com;tcaltagi@pahouse.net; mbradford@pahouse.net; jbrennan@pahouse.net; dcosta@pahouse..net; tcreight@pahousegop.com;bcutler@pahousegop.com; sdelozie@pahousegop.com;edepasqu@pahouse.net; bellis@pahousegop.com; kgillesp@pahousegop.com;ggrell@pahousegop.com; mkeller@pahousegop.com; tkrieger@pahousegop.com;dkula@pahouse.net; bneuman@pahouse.net; boneill@pahousegop.com; trock@pahousegop.com; rsaccone@pahousegop.com;tstephens@pahousegop.com;mtoepel@pahousegop.com; ttoohil@pahousegop.com; jwhite@pahouse.net;
PLEASE CONTACT ALL REPS LISTED BEFORE 9am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Call their offices, send Faxes and emails and ASK them to vote FOR HB 1523 & HB 1668
CCRKBA LAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF NATIONAL
CONCEALED CARRY MEASURE
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms lauded today’s 272-154 majority vote by the House of Representatives on passage of H.R. 822, the National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.
“We’re delighted at the outcome of this important legislation in the House,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “especially since the floor debate brought out all of the tired old cliché arguments. Congressional anti-gunners pulled out all the stops, but their rhetoric could not derail this common sense measure.
“As so many of the bill’s proponents wisely pointed out during the debate,” he continued, “citizens do not leave their self-defense rights at a state border. Those who would argue otherwise evidently have no interest in public safety.
“What was remarkable,” Gottlieb observed, “is how many self-defense opponents suddenly discovered the cause of states’ rights as an excuse to oppose this legislation. This measure is not about state’s rights, it’s about individual rights.”
The vote found seven Republicans voting against the measure and 43 Democrats supporting it.
“How the bill fares when it reaches the Senate remains to be seen,” Gottlieb noted, “but this recorded House vote will give the nation’s firearms owners a chance to see how their Congressional representative feels about their rights under the Second Amendment, and about the safety of their families when they travel across state lines.
“House members can give all the lip service they want to the Second Amendment,” he concluded, “but it is votes like this that separate the superficial from the sincere.”
Source: The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
