nssf.org

September 30, 2016

Congress Takes on Pushing Export Control Reform over the Goal Line

Legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress this week that aims at transferring the export licensing and enforcement oversight of sporting and commercial firearms to the Commerce Department from the State Department. The Export Control Reform Act of 2016, H.R. 6176 in the House of Representatives, as well as the companion Senate bill, S. 3405, was developed in consultation with NSSF and is sensible pro-business and trade-enhancing legislation.

"The Export Control Reform Act of 2016 seeks to complete what the Obama administration itself began," said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. "We would especially like to thank the sponsors: House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.); Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-Texas); Tom Marino (R-Penn.); Gene Green (D-Texas); and Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) for their timely bipartisan leadership as well as Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) for sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate."

The administration has transferred, or is in the process of transferring, to Commerce from State, export licensing responsibility for virtually all commercial, non-military items. The only remaining items yet to be transferred are sporting and commercial firearms and related products. While the industry has patiently waited for the administration to make ECR progress on our products, small manufacturers, component parts suppliers, distributors, and exporters in our industry, and even gunsmiths and individuals, have to continue to comply with unnecessary regulations and to pay an annual minimum registration fee of $2,250, regardless of whether they actually export. NSSF will keep you informed of developments. Read the NSSF press release.

 

Calif. Governor Vetoes Firearms Registration Expansion

California Gov. Jerry Brown this week vetoed legislation that would have expanded California's requirement for registering firearms in the state. SB 1332 would have required any firearm that was loaned to another person without having gone through a licensed retailer to be registered with the California Department of Justice. Therefore, if a firearm owner wished to lend his or her firearm to a friend or relative, he or she would have been required to register that firearm with the state. SB 1332 was not about safety. SB 1332 was part of a larger design to eventually require all lawfully possessed firearms be registered with the government.

 

SilencerCo joins #GUNVOTE President's Club with $100,000 Donation

SilencerCo this week joined #GUNVOTE's President's Club, contributing $100,000 in support of the NSSF's critical voter registration and education campaign. "We intend to be a part of this industry for many years to come, but without the support of every American firearms owner at the polls in November, my business, those of my colleagues, and the ability for all of us and the American public to exercise our Second Amendment rights could disappear with the stroke of a presidential pen," said Joshua Waldron, SilencerCo CEO. "NSSF's #GUNVOTE campaign is the one place we believe we can make a difference in these elections, and we are proud to support it."

 

Taurus Donates $50,000 to #GUNVOTE

Taurus has joined #GUNVOTE's Ambassador Club, contributing $50,000 in support of the ongoing 2016 campaign. "As these elections come down to the wire, it is essential that this country's millions of firearms owners know which candidates running for office are fighting for their rights and which are doing all they can to undermine them," said Anthony Acitelli, Taurus CEO. "#GUNVOTE is the one place that has that information, and Taurus is happy to support this campaign and encourage everyone to get out the #GUNVOTE on Election Day."

 

Save the Date: NSSF Election Impact Webinars

With Election Day only 40 days away, NSSF's government relations team is preparing for the impact the results will have on the firearms and ammunition industry. Who will be in the White House? What party will hold a Senate majority? How will key state elections play out? The implications of these questions, and many more, are crucial for your business and our industry.

To learn what we can expect in the new year and beyond, please mark your calendars for NSSF's post-election webinar series. On, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m., Patrick Rothwell, NSSF Managing Director, Government Relations – Federal Affairs will provide an overview of the impact of the election on Congress and federal legislation. On Nov. 17, at 10:30 a.m., Jake McGuigan, NSSF Senior Director, Government Relations – State Affairs, will offer insights on the changes to state legislatures and governor's mansions that will impact your bottom line. These webinars are free of charge for members of NSSF and will be recorded for those unable to participate live.

 

Encourage Your Employees to Register and to Vote

The 2016 election is pivotal. To make it easier to encourage your employees to register, to inform themselves about the issues and to vote on Nov. 8, we have prepared a model letter your company's CEO can use. NSSF's #GUNVOTE is a voter registration and education campaign platform for use by firearms industry manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and media members, as well as the pro-Second Amendment customer. Encourage your employees to take part in the fast approaching elections.

  • How You Can Help:
    • Download and post the #GUNVOTE icon to your website and link it to gunvote.org
    • Visit the #GUNVOTE website and encourage others to do the same.
    • Help spread the word on social media and follow #GUNVOTE on Facebook and Twitter (@GUNVOTE).
    • Contribute to #GUNVOTE.

 

Take Your Elected Officials to Work

The better your representatives in Washington and in your state capital understand your business and challenges, the more responsive they can be to issues that concern you. And in this election year, both federal and state office holders are eager to meet constituents (and voters). They are interested in learning about your companies, employment and economic impact. For these reasons, NSSF encourages member companies to invite your U.S. Senators and Members of Congress or state legislators to visit your facility. To help you, we have put together an easy-to-use "Take Your Elected Official to Work" guide. But this effort doesn't have to stop on Election Day. In fact, the time after the election and before the new legislative sessions start in January, provides an especially good window to help educate newly elected or re-elected legislators.

 

Signing Up for NSSF PAC Easy for Member Companies

The NSSF PAC works to support pro-firearms industry, pro-Second Amendment and pro-sportsmen candidates for federal office. Federal law requires a trade association PAC to obtain prior approval from its corporate members before it may send important PAC news, including current political news, election information and exclusive invitations to PAC events and updates, to corporate member executives.

Now, signing up for NSSF PAC has never been easier. Just click the link below, fill out the form, add contacts (or email us a list of names) and hit submit! What are you waiting for? Help ensure our industry is heard as we approach the crucial 2016 election. Sign up today! Online PAC Prior Consent Form.

 

Thank You to Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors

President's Club ($5,000): Mike French
Cabinet Club
($2,500 or more):
James Boyce, John Larkin
Capitol Club
($1,000 or more):
Chris Dolnack, Thomas Farchione, Gregory Gaich, Bernard Rothwell, Thomas Shepherd
Industry Club
(up to $249):
Victor Gabriella

 

Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee:

NSSF on Facebook NSSF on Twitter
 
NSSF Government Resources NSSF PAC
nssf.org/GovRel nssfpac.org