PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS
"PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT"
Landmark NRA Victory Now Law

On Wednesday, President George W. Bush signed into law the NRA-backed "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" (S. 397) to end politically motivated lawsuits designed to bankrupt law-abiding American firearm manufacturers and retailers.  S. 397 passed both chambers in Congress with broad bipartisan support.

"This is an historic day for freedom.  I would like to thank President Bush for signing the most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years into law.  History will show that this law helped save the American firearms industry from collapse under the burden of these ruinous and politically motivated lawsuits," said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.

In late July, the U.S. Senate approved the measure 65-31.  Last week, the U.S. House overwhelmingly passed the bill 283-144.  The new law is a monumental victory for NRA and its members.

"What we witness today is the culmination of a seven-year effort that included a comprehensive legislative and election strategy," stated NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.  "We had to work hard to change the political landscape to allow for passage of this landmark legislation.  As always, our members were up to the task.  It was key electoral victories in 2000, 2002 and 2004 that helped pave the way for passage of this law.

"The Bush administration was a vital ally during debate on Capitol Hill.  I would also like to thank Senators Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Congressmen Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) for doing a yeoman's job as lead co-sponsors of this legislation.  In addition, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senate Republican Conference Chairman Rick Santorum (R-Penn.) ought to be commended for their steadfast leadership during Senate deliberations," added Cox.

In recent years, 33 states have passed similar legislation outlawing reckless lawsuits intended to bankrupt the gun industry.  However, this new law creates judicial uniformity in all courts across the United States.

"This law will help preserve the American firearms industry and also help preserve American manufacturing jobs.  American companies will cease to make products if they continue to be sued every time a violent criminal they do not know, have never met, and cannot control, misuses a legal, non-defective product.  This is a significant step toward saving millions of manufacturing jobs," concluded LaPierre.

Actually, it's good news for ALL American industry, no matter what the product.

Good point!

(Fairfax, VA)

Commenting on the passage of this landmark legislation, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said, "This is an historic victory for the NRA. Freedom, truth and justice prevailed, and today S. 397 is one step closer to becoming the law of the land. No other industry is forced to defend themselves when a violent criminal they do not know, have never met and cannot control, misuses a legal non-defective product. American firearms manufacturers will now receive the same fair treatment."

The "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" seeks to end predatory and baseless lawsuits initiated nationwide by the gun control lobby. These lawsuits sought to bankrupt a lawful, highly regulated industry by holding the manufacturers and retailers responsible for the unforeseeable acts of criminals. S. 397 passed the Senate in late July with a bipartisan vote of 65-31.

Joining LaPierre in commenting on this victory, NRA Chief Lobbyist Chris W. Cox added, "Our judicial system has been exploited for politics and Congress put a stop to that. Passage of the 'Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act' would not have been possible without the support of the 257 House co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. We appreciate the tireless efforts of Rep. Cliff Stearns and Rep. Rick Boucher and the Republican members of House leadership who worked to move the bill in this chamber.

"We are a safer country today because Congress passed this critical legislation and acted to save American icons like Remington, Ruger, Winchester and Smith & Wesson from politically motivated lawsuits. Our men and women in uniform abroad and at home now will not have to rely on France, China or Germany to supply their firearms," Cox added.

During Senate debate earlier this year, the Pentagon stated its concern over the consequences if the American firearms industry was litigated into extinction. The Department of Defense stated that it "strongly supports" S. 397 citing, "that passage of S. 397 would help safeguard our national security by limiting unnecessary lawsuits against an industry that plays a critical role in meeting the procurement needs of our men and women in uniform."

"I would like to thank our members who played a pivotal role in making this bill a reality. Together, we have saved the American firearms industry and protected the sanctity of the Second Amendment," concluded LaPierre.

National Rifle Association of America
Institute for Legislative Action C3RVETTE38654.8103240741

Anybody got a picture of Sen. Charles Schumer's (D-NY) face when it passed?

JR

I'd like to see Schumer's face when it passed as well. He's one of the leading demagogues in Congress.

It's good to see common sense and the Constitution win!

[QUOTE=Gunslinger]I'd like to see Schumer's face when it passed as well. He's one of the leading demagogues in Congress.

It's good to see common sense and the Constitution win![/QUOTE] He and his few cronies are probly steaming over this one.Imagine,people actually wanting to keep the 2nd amendment intact!