(Wednesday, September 9, 1998)-- Well, the holidays are over and Congress is back to work. And while you were at those weekend barbecues enjoying your vacation, legislators in Congress were scheming to rob you of your cherished rights.

Anti-gun legislation, that had previously been derailed thanks in large part to your efforts, is back on track and could soon be voted on.

For example, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) abruptly brought up his Horror Bill for debate last week, but he could not get a Unanimous Consent agreement that would have allowed a vote on the bill.

Gun owners should remind their Senators that they do NOT want Hatch's anti-gun crime bill (S. 10). This bill still applies RICO (racketeering) penalties to minor gun infractions and would increase penalties on gun owners who take their kids handgun shooting without a written note of permission.

In other news, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) promised a vote on the Incumbent Protection Bill which would restrict the free speech rights of citizens that organize together (like your GOA) to influence legislative policy. While this legislation claims to reform campaign finance laws, it would really prevent the ability of groups like GOA to keep you informed on how your legislator is voting. A vote on this bill is scheduled for tomorrow-- Thursday, September 10.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO

* Urge your Senators to oppose Hatch's Horror Bill (S. 10) and the McCain-Feingold restrictions on free speech (so-called "campaign finance reform"). Call 202-224-3121.

* Fax, email or mail the bottom "postcard" to pro-gun Sen. Bob Smith, asking him to object to any Unanimous Consent agreement that would allow a vote on S. 10.

Here's the contact information for Sen. Smith:
Phone: 202-224-2841
Email: opinion@smith.senate.gov
Fax: 202-224-1353
Address: U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510

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Dear Senator Smith:

I want to thank you for your bold leadership in opposing the Hatch Horror Bill (S. 10). I understand that your "hold letter" has had a tremendous effect in slowing down this legislation, and I commend you for your efforts.

I have also learned that Senator Orrin Hatch tried to get a Unanimous Consent agreement recently to debate this bill and vote on it. He was unsuccessful. Regardless, I fear he may try again. If he does, I would urge you to object to any Unanimous Consent agreement that would bring up S. 10 for a vote.

Among the many problems in S. 10, this bill still applies RICO penalties to minor gun infractions and would increase penalties on gun owners who take their kids handgun shooting without a written note of permission. Thank you for supporting my gun rights!

Sincerely,

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