"OPERATION HARD TIME" UNVEILED IN PENNSYLVANIA

Mike Fisher, PA AG

      While NRA continues to call on the Clinton-Gore Administration to enforce existing firearm laws, yet another state has beaten the White House to the punch in answering this call.

      On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Attorney General Mike Fisher (R), joined by NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, urged the Keystone State's General Assembly to approve his proposal for "Operation Hard Time," a program that calls for toughening the laws prohibiting convicted felons from possessing firearms.

Wayne LaPierre

      LaPierre told Fisher that Pennsylvania's effort has the full support of NRA's three million members. "While federal prosecutions of gun crimes have dropped by 44 percent under the Clinton-Gore Administration, Pennsylvania has today become the fifth state in the country to launch an aggressive effort to enforce existing laws and prosecute armed criminals," said NRA's EVP.

      "Prosecution is prevention. Removing violent felons with guns from our streets will, indeed, make those streets safer for our children."

      During the last year, NRA has vigorously promoted Richmond, Virginia's "Project Exile," the model for the program in Pennsylvania and other cities and states around the country. Moreover, NRA is urging Congress to appropriate $50 million to implement the program nationwide.

Sen. Santorum	Gov. Ridge	Sen. Specter

      LaPierre also praised U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (R) and Rick Santorum (R), as well as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge (R), for their support of tough enforcement of existing laws. "Pennsylvanians are fortunate to have leaders who believe in upholding the rights of law-abiding Americans, while throwing the book at violent criminals who all too often have escaped prosecution in the past. Today's announcement will help change that and will help make all our streets safer."

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