CNBNews

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Vol. 18, No. 12      03/25/11

Schumer Bill Includes Steps Toward
Federal Gun Registration . . .

Recently, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) -- who in the early 1990s was the House sponsor of the Brady Act and the federal "assault weapons" and "large" magazine ban of 1994-2004, and the ill-fated, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink "Brady II" bill -- introduced S. 436, the multi-faceted "Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011." Its simplistic and misleading title aside, this bill dispels any doubt about the goal gun control supporters have had in mind ever since they began harping about "closing the gun show loophole" more than a decade ago.

Schumer's "fix" bypasses the question of gun shows altogether. In fact, the term "gun show" appears nowhere in his bill. S. 436 proposes that virtually all private transfers, regardless of location, be subject to National Instant Criminal Background Check System checks. The exceptions would be extremely narrow; in many cases, even lending someone a firearm would be subject to federal regulation.

Investigations Into BATFE Accelerate:  As the BATFE faces an increasing array of questions about its activities in the "Fast and Furious" and "Project Gunrunner" programs, the scandal has taken its first political casualty and President Obama has finally commented directly on these problems.

Dove Hunting Ban Lifted In Iowa:  This week, both houses of the Iowa Legislature passed, and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad (R) signed, legislation into law authorizing a mourning dove hunting season.  This NRA-backed legislation passed both houses of the state legislature with broad bi-partisan support despite heavy opposition of anti-hunting groups such as the Humane Society of the United States.  With this historic expansion of hunter opportunity, the legislature and Governor have further exemplified their steadfast commitment to sportsmen and gun owners.  

Plan To Attend Free Grassroots Workshop At NRA's Upcoming Annual Meetings In Pittsburgh, PA!  In anticipation of a hectic legislative session at both the federal and state levels, and in order to lay the foundation for a successful campaign season in 2012, NRA-ILA will be hosting a FREE Grassroots Workshop on Friday, April 29, in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh. 

Panelists Announced For Special ILA Seminar!   In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with this year's Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division will be holding a Special Seminar. 

ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings:  The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Fifth Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, April 29^th.   

The Fifth Annual NRA-ILA Dinner and Auction will allow you to show your continued support for NRA-ILA, and enjoy a great evening filled with good food, friends, and an excellent live and silent auction. 

This year, the auction will be held at Heinz Field. Don't miss your opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind firearms, original artwork, knives, hunts and wines.  This is also a great chance to meet NRA officers and ILA staff. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact John Commerford,703-267-1141 or visit www.nraila.org/ilaauction.

Volunteers Needed For 2011 NRA Annual Meetings In Pittsburgh: The 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together April 27--May 1, 2011, in Pittsburgh, PA.  You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meetings Volunteer.

Another Way To Get Involved--Join NRA's Facebook And Twitter Groups:  Internet social networking has exploded in recent years, and websites such as Facebook and Twitter attract millions of users.  This on-line community fosters a connection between its users, and allows distribution of user-generated content (like pictures, profiles, music, video, and text).