NSSF Opens New Washington, D.C. Government Relations Office

NSSF President Steve Sanetti, left, and Jeff Reh, NSSF Board of Governors Co-Vice Chairman and Beretta USA General Counsel and Vice General Manager, officially open NSSF's new Washington, D.C., office.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation this week formally opened our new Washington, D.C., office in the Hall of the States Building on Capitol Hill with a ribbon cutting and reception. In attendance were NSSF Board of Governors members Joe Bartozzi, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, O.F. Mossberg & Sons; Mark Emonet, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Lipsey's; and Jeff Reh, Beretta USA Co- Vice Chairman, General Counsel and Vice General Manager.

Of special note, taking time from his busy schedule, U.S. Rep. David Joyce, R-Ohio, also attended the opening, as did several other industry members, representatives of hunting and sportsmen's organizations, and many who work with NSSF in our nation's capital on behalf of those who enjoy the shooting sports.

NSSF President Steve Sanetti delivered brief remarks on the importance of NSSF's government relations activities and shared ribbon-cutting honors with Jeff Reh.

"The challenges we face as well as the positive opportunities that lie ahead require an enhanced and sustained presence in our nation's capital," said Larry Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. "We are adding professional staff to our Washington-based Government Relations office in order to better serve our members in our mission to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports."

 

Reagan Airport's Project ChildSafe Ad Ban Draws TV News Attention

WTTG Fox 5 Chief Investigative Reporter Emily Miller this week reported on the decision by the management of Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport to turn down project ChildSafe "Own It? Respect it. Secure it." public service ads. Watch the Fox 5 story. Five other airports have accepted or already displayed the ads — Hartford-Springfield, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Providence and St. Louis. For more background read this blog post by NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Larry Keane.

 

Connecticut State Police, NSSF Promote Firearm Safety

Connecticut State Police and NSSF are using New England's regional fall fair, the Big E, to encourage firearm owners to securely store their firearms when not in use to help prevent accidents, misuse and theft. Through NSSF's Project ChildSafe program, state police will distribute free gun locks, safety literature and child safety pledges in the Connecticut Building on The Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield, Mass., Sept.12-28, while supplies last.

"Our goal is to remind gun owners to take steps to keep firearms from falling into the wrong hands," said Lt. Paul Vance, Connecticut State Police public information officer. "We'll also be reminding Connecticut gun owners about laws requiring locked storage of firearms in their homes." Read the NSSF press release.

 

Cabela's, NSSF Partner on Anti-Straw Purchase Messaging

Cabela's Incorporated is partnering with NSSF to help prevent illegal "straw" purchases of firearms by bringing increased attention to the Don't Lie for the Other Guy program.

All Cabela's stores display Don't Lie for the Other Guy point-of-purchase displays and use a program video and printed material to help train employees to better detect and deter straw purchases. Starting this fall, the retailer is adding informational mouse pads and an educational card at all of its 250 computer kiosks where each customer seeking to purchase firearms must electronically complete the ATF Form 4473 with correct responses including that he or she is the actual buyer and not acquiring the firearm on behalf of another person. The messaging on program materials explains that anyone attempting an illegal firearm purchase faces a stiff federal felony penalty of up to 10 years in jail or up to $250,000 in fines.

Don't Lie" was formed as a cooperative program between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and NSSF more than 12 years ago to help ATF educate federal firearms licensees to be better able to identify and prevent illegal straw purchases of firearms and to raise public awareness about the seriousness of the crime of purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so.

 

Watchdog.org Notes NSSF Complaint against California Fish & Game Commission President

Watchdog.org, a group of journalists covering state and local government, has reported on NSSF's filing of a formal complaint raising ethical concerns from the conflicting public and private roles of California Fish and Game Commission President Mike Sutton. Sutton has held paid positions as executive director of the National Audubon Society and as vice president of the Pacific Flyway. NSSF first raised ethical concerns during debate over AB 711, a bill that became law banning the use of lead ammunition in hunting state-wide, which the National Audubon Society and the Pacific Flyway strongly advocated. Read the article.

 

Suppressors for Hunting Proposal Advances in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week advanced a proposal to allow the use of suppressors on rifles and handguns for hunting. The commission is expected to vote on the new rule in November. More than 30 states already permit the use of suppressors for hunting. NSSF is on record supporting the proposal in Florida. Read a news account.

 

Small Victory for Gun-Owners in Massachusetts Primary

Warren Tolman ran for the Democratic nomination for Massachusetts Attorney General on one central theme, gun control. He made the implementation of so-called "smart guns" the cornerstone of his campaign and it would have been his first priority if he became Attorney General. He did not shy away from his stance on implementing gun control and released a campaign ad in the final weeks about taking on the NRA.

The good news is that his opponent, Maura Healey, won, 62 percent to 38 percent, even though Tolman had endorsements from Boston Mayor Walsh and Governor Patrick. While Maura Healey is far from a supporter of the second amendment she does not believe she has the authority to implement "smart gun" technology via regulation as did Tolman. While the race was not close, many unaffiliated gun owners switched over and a voted in the Democratic primary simply to vote against Tolman.

 

Help Get Out the #GUNVOTE Message!

We need your help to get out the #GUNVOTE, the National Shooting Sports Foundation's voter education and information initiative. Watch and share the #GUNVOTE video. Take nothing for granted. 2014 is a crucial Congressional mid-term and gubernatorial election year. All industry members have a responsibility to spread the #GUNVOTE message. Download the #GUNVOTE button and use it in your print publications, on your website, blog and social media platform to get your customers engaged. There is too much at stake in November not to be 100 percent committed.

 

Thank You To Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors

President's Club ($5,000): No new contributors to report

Cabinet Club ($2,500 or more): No new contributors to report

Capitol Club ($1,000 or more): Sandy Chisholm and Jeff Reh

Congressional Club ($250 or more): Steven Rowley, Stephen Sardelli and Christopher Sausman

Industry Club (up to $249): Jerry Bridges, Troy Clopton, Pat O'Malley, George Trulock Jr. and Seth Waugh

 

PAC Note: Corporate Members Should Return Prior Approval Forms

The upcoming mid-term elections will determine which party will control the U.S. Senate. Now is the time to make sure you are informed about those candidates who will protect our rights and support our industry. If you are an NSSF corporate member, the only way the NSSF PAC can keep you abreast on political developments is if you complete and return your prior approval form. Without it, we can't send you the latest political news and information you need to know. So please return your prior approval form.

 

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