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January 29, 2016 |
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NSSF President's State of the Industry Message Presages Capitol Hill Attack on PLCAA
"We have to face the fact that our industry is being blamed, and attacked, and pilloried unfairly by politicians, media and agenda-driven social engineers seeking a convenient scapegoat for the result of policies which, ironically, they themselves have championed," Sanetti told the audience. His speech was followed the next morning by NSSF's placement of a full-page ad in the Washington Post in the form of an "Open letter to President Obama from the Employees of America's Firearms and Ammunition Industry," aimed at policy makers and opinion leaders in response to the administration's executive actions and political play acting. The ad was well received, with supportive comments from Bearing Arms Editor Bob Owens serving as one example. "Those who exploit tragedies and attack us, either for their own political ends or for an understandable desire to make sense out of senseless acts, make no pretense about their goals. So this, in turn, forces us to respond—to reply to deliberate and ignorant falsehoods with the truth, and to educate the public using all means at our disposal," Sanetti said in his address. Indeed, NSSF is working diligently on Capitol Hill and is responding to media inquiries to correct the deliberate distortions and to set the record straight. An extremely important presidential election year is off and running fast.
Firearms Industry Protection Bills Introduced in Georgia and Missouri; Kansas FIND Act Receives Hearing
The Kansas FIND Act, SB 331, received a hearing in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee earlier this week in which NSSF Manager of State Affairs Trevor Santos testified in support of the measure. "Our members report facing discrimination from Internet search engines, payment processors, insurance companies and other service providers not covered by the FDIC," Santos said. "While the firearms industry respects the right of financial institutions and other service providers to make business decisions based on objective criteria, it is unacceptable to discriminate against businesses simply because they are engaged in the lawful commerce of firearms, an activity protected by the Second Amendment." For more coverage, see this Topeka Capital-Journal story. Has your business been refused goods or services solely because you're involved in the firearms industry? If so, NSSF needs to hear your story. Please contact Trevor Santos at tsantos@nssf.org or (202) 220-1340 ext. 205, and let him know about your experience.
Fighting Financial Services Discrimination Is Ongoing NSSF Effort in Washington Even as NSSF is turning up the volume on its efforts in the states to stem discrimination in the provision of financial services to firearms and related businesses, an ongoing NSSF initiative continues to ensure that no federal agencies are ever again involved in the Operation Choke Point-style, extra-legal activism of the type on which we reported throughout 2015. NSSF has played the lead role in successful oversight efforts on Capitol Hill, most notably in close cooperation with the our 2014 Legislator of the Year, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), whose bill, HR 766, the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act, is expected to be considered on the House floor next week. For years, NSSF worked closely with congressman Luetkemeyer and his staff to combat the discriminatory practices of government agencies related to Operation Choke Point against our retail members and other lawful businesses in the firearms industry.
Bloomberg Anti-Gun Groups Active in States
In Maine, Bloomberg activists operating through the group Moms Demand Action this week delivered petitions to the secretary of the state's office in order to place a similar initiative on that state's ballot. Learning of yet another Bloomberg-fronted Maine organization's plans, in this case visiting licensed firearms retailers in some sort of under-informed "inspectional" tour, NSSF issued an alert to all FFLs in the Pine Tree State to warn them to be ready for anti-gun activist visitors. Do not underestimate Michael Bloomberg. He has ambition aplenty to accompany his billions and media savvy. A new survey released by Republican pollster Frank Luntz reveals that Bloomberg, who is contemplating running for President even at this comparatively late hour, would have a shot at winning the White House as a third-party candidate.
U.S. Senate Committee Passes Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last week passed S. 649, a comprehensive package of legislation including several measures that benefit America's hunters and target shooters and that is a legislative priority for NSSF. NSSF looks forward to working with the Senate to address any concerns and to build more bipartisan support for this important legislation. Read the NSSF press release.
Sen. Inhofe Introduces Bill to Help Strengthen Ammo Manufacturing
"This legislation will allow ammunition manufacturers to more quickly bring to market alternative hunting ammunition products to serve consumers in markets such as California, where traditional ammunition is banned for hunting, and for those hunters who prefer to use alternative products," said Lawrence Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. In October 2015, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives (H.R. 3802, the Alternative Ammunition Manufacturing Act). The House legislation currently has 38 co-sponsors. Read the NSSF press release.
NSSF Congressional Fly-In, April 12-13 Due to a change in the Congressional session calendar, the dates for the 2016 NSSF Congressional Fly-In have moved from April 5-6, to April 12-13, 2016, in Washington, D.C. This is a great opportunity for leaders from NSSF Voting Member companies and supporting distributor and manufacturing member companies, as well as leading retailers, to meet with members of Congress. More details, including registration and hotel information, are coming soon.
Sunday Hunting Legislation Moves in West Virginia
West Virginia has slowly been removing some prohibitions on a county-by-county basis such that 22 of 55 counties now allow Sunday hunting on private lands. This week, the state legislature's Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted HB4170 out of committee by 21-3 vote. HB4170 will remove restrictions for hunting and trapping on private lands on Sundays. The legislation will now head to the House Judiciary Committee for a much more difficult battle. NSSF will be there to testify in favor and will continue to press legislators to retire this antiquated blue law for the betterment of the state.
Gov. Christie Vetoes a New Smart Gun Mandate, But It's Not Over
Less than a week later, New Jersey Democrats who were undeterred by the veto and put aside rational arguments from the industry and smart gun manufacturers, have begun the process to send the same legislation back to the Governor. At a Thursday hearing, NSSF testified once again in opposition to any new mandates and instead offered full support for the original mandate repeal. Contrary to false claims made by some anti-gun groups, the firearms industry is not opposed to the development of this technology. Our industry is opposed to legislation that would either mandate the use of this technology as a one-size-fits-all solution or that would require it to be placed in stores by state law as if that would create demand for it. NSSF would like to thank the Governor for his veto of the legislation and regrets that he most likely will have to do the same thing again in the near future as Garden State Democrats continue to play political games.
Wis. Families Afield Expansion Bill OK'd by Senate Panel The Wisconsin State Senate Committee on Sporting Heritage, Mining and Forestry has approved SB 301, which would expand on the state's Families Afield program that was established in 2009. The bill would make needed changes, including the removal of the minimum age requirement, which is currently 10 years old, as well as the one-gun requirement.
Iowa Subcommittee Approves Legalizing Suppressors
#GUNVOTE in the Iowa Caucuses Next Week
Become educated about the candidates running for office and discuss choices with family and friends so that they understand the importance of voting to protect America's firearms freedoms and the lawful commerce in firearms. So #GUNVOTE early and #GUNVOTE often.
Signing Up for NSSF PAC Made Easier for Member Companies The NSSF Political Action Committee (NSSF PAC) works to support pro-firearms industry, pro-Second Amendment and pro-sportsmen candidates for federal office. Federal law requires a trade association PAC to obtain prior approval from its corporate members before it may send important PAC news and updates to corporate member's executives, including current political news, election information and exclusive invitations to PAC events. Now, signing up for NSSF PAC has never been easier. Just click the link below, fill out the form, add contacts (or email us a list of names) and hit submit! What are you waiting for? Help ensure our industry is heard as we approach the crucial 2016 election year. Sign up today! Online PAC Prior Consent Form.
Thank You to Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors President's Club ($5,000): Cassandra Arnold, Charles Brown, Michael Evans, Steve Urvan Capitol Club ($1,000 or more): Kevin O'Connell, Robert Scott Caucus Club ($500 or more): Mike Callahan, Marvin Daniel, Bill Douglas, Tricia Edwards, Pat O'Malley, Jeffery Poet, Thomas Sullivan Congressional Club ($250 or more): Kenny Barlow, Timothy Bumann, Paul Chartier, Sandy Chisholm, John Goodwin, Taylor Gross, Jacob Herman, Craig Livingston, David Miles, Whit O'Daniel
Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee:
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As if on cue, one week after NSSF President Steve Sanetti told attendees at the annual State of the Industry dinner held during the 2016 SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show) that the 
The NSSF-supported Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act was recently introduced in Georgia and has garnered more than 25 senate co-sponsors. Sponsored by state Sen. Jesse Stone, 
Even as the rhetoric was being turned up in Washington, the states are emerging battle grounds for anti-gun political activity funded by billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In Nevada, The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that the Bloomberg-funded Everytown for Gun Safety has 
U.S. Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) has introduced the NSSF-supported 
NSSF has scored Sunday hunting legislative victories in Virginia and North Carolina over the past two years and has now shifted focus to the Mountaineer state. NSSF is seeking to remove Sunday hunting prohibitions in West Virginia, an action that would provide a tremendous economic boost to the state.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie last week vetoed Democrat state legislators' political move to replace one ill-fated "smart gun" mandate with another. S.3249 would have repealed New Jersey's original mandate with a new one requiring all firearms retailers in the state to carry in inventory at least one model of an authorized-user technology equipped firearm. The legislation, introduced by State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (sponsor of the original "smart gun" mandate) was also opposed by smart gun manufacturers.
A subcommittee of the Iowa State House Judiciary Committee this week gave its approval to HF 2043. Introduced by State Rep. Matt Windschitl and supported by NSSF, 
