Even though it is still early, we can safely predict another session of myriad attacks on our right to keep and bear arms, as the Clinton-Gore Administration works to solidify its legacy as the most anti-gun administration in this country's history. And they still have many supporters who will help them to promote their scurrilous attacks on freedom. In the U.S. House -- even though the most rabid anti-gun lawmaker, Charles Schumer (D- N.Y.), has moved on to the U.S. Senate -- Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) is clearly seeking to occupy the vacancy left behind by Schumer's move as the White House's attack dog on gun control in the House. He has already publicly announced that he will support adoption of a national waiting period on the purchase of firearms from Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders, and he has also joined the White House in its attack on gun shows. And while some in the gun-owning community still have not come to the realization that so-called moderate "gun control" proposals like waiting periods are merely incremental steps toward all-out bans on firearms, it should be noted that Patrick Kennedy, who is also the son of anti-Second Amendment U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), has gone on record as stating that he would like to ban all handguns, but does not believe that can be achieved at this time.

Dennis Hastert,       New Speaker

      It is anticipated that most of the attacks on our right to keep and bear arms that were unsuccessful in the 105th Congress will resurface in the 106th. Look for proposals such as bans on affordable, self-defense handguns, restrictions on the private transfer of firearms, increased taxation on firearms and ammunition, mandatory storage requirements, and the previously mentioned attempt to institute a nationwide waiting period on firearms purchases and attacks on gun shows. However, we will take advantage of any opportunities to pursue pro-Second Amendment reforms, such as national reciprocity for right to carry permits. We are also exploring legislative proposals to counter the recent spate of lawsuits filed by various cities seeking to circumnavigate the legislative process by attacking firearms manufacturers. Along these lines, according to a recent survey by DecisionQuest, a jury consulting firm, 66.2 % of the respondents disagreed with the idea of suing firearm manufacturers. NRA-ILA's Grassroots Division has Fact Sheets on the gun control issues mentioned above, as well as many others. We encourage you to arm yourself with the information you will need to communicate your concerns with your elected officials and write letters-to-the-editor of your newspapers when the Second Amendment is discussed. We also have information available on how to contact your federal and state lawmakers. Please call the Grassroots Division at (800)392-8683, and request the tools you will need to further our goal of protecting our firearm freedoms.