The NRA has achieved two pro-gun victories in the last week, which I thought were worth noting:
The U.S. House of Representatives approved an NRA-backed amendment, introduced by U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), to allow Amtrak travelers to transport firearms in checked baggage where checked baggage service is available. The Wicker amendment was included along with several government agencies’ appropriations bills in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010. The measure was passed by both houses of Congress and was signed into law on Wednesday, December 16. [More information here]
Our efforts on the huge spending bill were rewarded with the restoration of a longstanding rider to protect M-1 carbines, M-1 Garands, M-14s, .22 caliber rifles, and others from being destroyed. This language also includes a prohibition on the destruction of small arms ammunition and components, and a response to the short-lived concern over destruction of spent brass casings earlier this year. Section 8019 of the bill reads: “None of the funds available to the Department of Defense may be used to demilitarize or dispose of M-1 Carbines, M-1 Garand rifles, M-14 rifles, .22 caliber rifles, .30 caliber rifles, or M-1911 pistols, or to demilitarize or destroy small arms ammunition or ammunition components that are not otherwise prohibited from commercial sale under Federal law, unless the small arms ammunition or ammunition components are certified by the Secretary of the Army or designee as unserviceable or unsafe for further use.” [More information here]
I’m encouraged by the passage of these two pro-gun laws, which would not have been passed but for the NRA’s hard work. I would encourage anyone who is not an NRA member to join the NRA and take further action to support gun rights. If you’re already a member yourself, consider giving an NRA membership as a gift.