03/09 Votes Coming On NPS Gun Ban

— Battle Over Gun Rights On Federal Land Continues

— Battle Over Gun Rights On Federal Land Continues

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

An amendment to repeal the National Park Service (NPS) gun ban is headed to the floor of the U.S. House on Wednesday, March 25.

The massive public land bill, which has bounced between the House and Senate in recent weeks, has sidestepped the issue of your right to self-defense. Several pro-gun representatives tried to amend the bill so that it offers real protection of Second Amendment rights, but they were prevented by the anti-gun leadership.

Repeal of the gun ban takes on added urgency after a federal appeals court issued an injunction last week to stop changes made by the Bush administration to allow concealed carry on NPS land from taking effect.

When the bill comes to the floor on Wednesday, pro-gun Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA) and Rob Bishop (R-UT) plan to offer an amendment to repeal the onerous NPS gun ban.

First, a procedural vote, known as “Ordering the Previous Question,” will be voted on. A “no” vote is the pro-gun position on that motion.

If we are successful on that vote, there will be a vote on an amendment to repeal the NPS gun ban. Urge your representative to vote IN FAVOR of  the Hastings-Bishop amendment.

And tell them not to be fooled by language that was recently added to the bill to protect hunting and fishing on certain parts of federal land, as if the Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to protect a recreational pastime.

Please urge you representative to support the Hastings-Bishop amendment, protecting your right to carry a firearm for self-defense, hunting or any other lawful purpose.

NPS bureaucrats and federal judges should not be empowered to negate self-defense on YOUR land.

ACTION:  Please immediately use the Gun Owners Legislative Action Center to send your Representative the pre-written message below.

—– Pre-written message —–

Dear Representative:

On Wednesday morning, the Omnibus Public Land Act (H.R. 146) will come to the floor.

This bill, which has bounced between the House and Senate in recent weeks, has completely sidestepped the issue of my right to self-defense.

Several pro-gun representatives tried to amend the bill so that it offers real protection of Second Amendment rights on National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife Service lands, but those efforts were defeated.

Repeal of the NPS gun ban takes on added urgency after a federal appeals court issued an injunction last week to stop changes made by the Bush administration to allow concealed carry on NPS land from taking effect.

And please don’t be fooled by language that was recently added to the bill to protect hunting and fishing on certain parts of federal land, as if the Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to protect a recreational pastime.

First, there will be a vote on Ordering the Previous Question. I urge you to vote “NO” on that motion, in order to allow for consideration of an amendment by Reps. Doc Hastings and Rob Bishop.

The Hastings-Bishop amendment to repeal the NPS gun ban protects my right to self-defense on OUR public lands, and I urge you to SUPPORT it.

Gun Owners of America will inform me of how you vote, and will rate the procedural vote and the vote on the amendment in its upcoming Congressional rating.

Sincerely,