NRA-ILA FAX NETWORK 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: 1-800-392-8683 Fax: 703-267-3918 Vol. 2, No. 28 6/30/95 CLINTON "GUN CONTROL" ADS: "IT'S NOT ABOUT POLITICS" That's what President Clinton says about his new political ads, glamorizing his 1994 gun and magazine ban. But truth be told, the ads, which were unveiled on Tuesday, June 27th, are nothing but politics. The President made the decision to sink millions of dollars into this campaign venture despite the fact that the election is a full 17 months away and at this time, he doesn't even face a primary challenger! According to presidential press secretary Michael McCurry, the 12 state ad campaign highlights Clinton's determination "not to let the National Rifle Association [get] the upper hand." It's all about politics -- and poor performance. The Clinton gun ban masks Clinton's poor track record in rounding up real assault weapons - - armed criminals! Federal weapons prosecutions plummeted 23% in the first two years of the Clinton presidency. And Speaking of Politics: On Friday, June 30th, President Clinton requested that Congress introduce a bill he authored to ban bullets. His proposal is remarkably similar to Rep. Charles Schumer's (D-N.Y.) failed bullet ban amendment to the House anti- terrorism bill (see FAX ALERT No. 26). In an attempt to disguise this legislation as a pro-law enforcement bill, Clinton entitled it the "Saving Law Enforcement Officers' Lives Act of 1995." This yet-to-be-introduced bill, coupled with the President's campaign ads, represents nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner the support of the law enforcement community for the President's 1996 re-election campaign. Despite its benevolent title, the Clinton proposal would ban bullets commonly used for self-defense and target shooting while offering no protection for police officers from repeat violent offenders. PRESIDENT EQUATES BRADY FIVE DAY WAIT WITH DRUG TESTING: Speaking in front of law enforcement officers and select members of Congress on June 29, President Clinton alluded to a recent Supreme Court decision upholding drug tests for high school athletes as being analogous to the Brady Act's five day waiting period. Referring to the "hassle" of drug testing for student athletes, Mr. Clinton noted that like the Brady five day waiting period, it's a "hassle" we must endure for the good of the nation. The President also noted his disdain for law-abiding citizens who opposed the Brady Act and the gun and magazine ban, and get upset over being treated like criminals. The President said that none of us can "go off in some sanctimonious huff, saying that just because we don't do anything wrong, we shouldn't be asked to contribute to our country [by] obeying these gun laws." THIS YEAR'S MODEL: On Tuesday, June 27th, Rep. Major Owens (D-N.Y.) introduced his annual Second Amendment-bashing bill. For the past two sessions of Congress, Rep. Owens has introduced legislation calling for the abolishment of the Second Amendment. This year, however, he's trying a new tact -- H.J. Res. 98 -- which, rather than calling for the end to our right to keep and bear arms, calls for a constitutional amendment "clarifying" the Second Amendment. In its entirety, the one sentence proposal reads as follows: "The right enumerated in the second article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States shall be construed as a right of States and not of individuals." H.J. Res. 98 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further review. Although it's doubtful this proposal will see any action in the 104th Congress, we'll keep you informed of any developments. A LOOK AT THE STATES: Indiana: The Johnson County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance prohibiting the carrying of firearms in certain public places. However, language was deleted that banned gun shows at county fairgrounds. Louisiana: Governor Edwin Edwards vetoed SB 886, NRA-supported right to carry reform legislation. The only way to pass SB 886 now is through a special veto session of the legislature. Members: please call your State Representatives & Senators at their district offices & urge them to hold a veto session! Nevada: It appears as though the legislature will adjourn tonight without passing SB 299, the NRA-backed right to carry reform bill. We'll come back in future sessions and work to pass this much-needed reform! North Carolina: The Senate approved HB 90, NRA-supported right to carry legislation. If the House concurs with the Senate amendments, or if both chambers approve a conference report on this measure, it becomes law without the governor's signature. Ohio: The House approved HB 336, NRA-supported instant check legislation to replace the Brady Act waiting period. HB 266 will likely be referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration after summer recess. The Senate Judiciary Committee reported out SB 68, the right to carry bill. It now moves to the Senate floor for consideration -- possibly during one of two floor sessions to be held in July. If the Senate approves the measure, NRA-ILA will work on the House side to address committee amendments added to the bill which relate to training and restrictions on carrying by individuals with a permit. Members: please contact your State Senators & urge them to support both HB 336 & SB 68. Oregon: Governor John Kitzhaber is undecided on signing two bills into law: SB 1096, a bill replacing the state's 15-day waiting period on handgun purchases with an instant check system, and HB 2784, legislation clarifying and strengthening the state firearms preemption statute. Both bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support! Members: please call Governor Kitzhaber's office at (503) 378-3111 & encourage him to sign both SB 1096 and HB 2784! -end-