Lautenberg Repeal To Be Introduced

Rep. Chenoweth to Introduce Full Repeal of Lautenberg Gun Ban
— Ask your Rep. immediately to cosponsor bill!

(Wednesday, March 5) — Rep. Helen Chenoweth is going to introduce a full repeal of the Lautenberg gun ban either late today or sometime tomorrow. As you know, this ban disarms millions of citizens for having committed minor offenses and prevents them from owning guns for life.

Gun Owners of America vigorously opposed the Lautenberg ban last year as it represents one of the worst gun control laws passed in decades. After the ban passed, the New York Times hailed the gun ban as “progress on gun control.” And more recently, the Wall Street Journal has confirmed that the problems which GOA warned about are now in fact occurring. According to the December 23, 1996 article in the Wall Street Journal, the gun ban is now:

* Disarming many policemen across the country;

* Disarming men and women for domestic disputes that occurred even 20 years ago; and is

* Threatening to disarm any parent who has been convicted for simply spanking their children.

While there are other bills to “tweak” the Lautenberg ban, only Rep. Chenoweth’s bill will completely repeal the ban from the federal code. The Barr compromise (H.R. 26) would only repeal the retroactive portion of the ban — thus leaving the ban in the federal code for the future. The Stupak bill (H.R. 445) would only exempt the police, thus leaving the common people under the effect of the gun ban.

HERE’S WHAT TO DO:

Call your Representative right away and urge him or her to become an original cosponsor of Helen Chenoweth’s bill. The deadline for original cosponsorship will be late today or sometime tomorrow. If your representative is unfamiliar with her proposal, they can call her office for more information. Call your Representative at 202-225-3121. Or you can also reach them at 1-800-962-3524 or 1-800-972-3524, but be prepared to let the phone ring a few times.

NOTE: Rep. Chenoweth’s bill still does not have a number. Your Representative can get a copy from either her office, or by calling GOA at 703-321-8585.