The NRA reacts to the action in yesterday’s US Senate:
Today, in an historic vote in Second Amendment history, freedom prevailed.
When it comes to something as fundamental as the Second Amendment, the American people are determined to protect this freedom. That’s what happened in the United States Senate today.
The final outcome of the U.S. Senate vote on S. 397 -- the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" -- is a groundbreaking step forward for law-abiding firearm manufacturers, retailers and owners in this country. The National Rifle Association (NRA) invested many years trying to pass this needed legislation that will put an end to politically motivated predatory lawsuits.
The "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" is a vital bill that will save the centuries old, law-abiding, and highly regulated American industry that has persevered under the burden of these predatory lawsuits. The success of this bill was so critical to national security interests that it prompted the Department of Defense to issue a strong letter unequivocally urging passage.
We are grateful for the support of the 62 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. On behalf of our 4 million members and the tens of millions of gun owners across this country, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Majority Leader Bill Frist for his unyielding efforts to ensure that S. 397 received a fair and just hearing before this legislative body.
We also appreciate Senator Larry Craig for his steadfast hard work in marshalling this effort through the Senate. Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell and Senate Republican Conference Chairman Rick Santorum were also vital parts of this team whose dedicated efforts ought to be recognized.
The NRA needed 60 votes to ensure passage of this bill. This would not have been possible without support from Senators from the both sides of the aisle. We thank Minority Leader Harry Reid for supporting this legislation and the members in his caucus who voted for this proposed law.
America is a better and safer place with the passage of S. 397. Members of the United States Senate who voted for this measure placed principle over politics and voted for good policy.
I would like to extend thanks to Senator Tim Johnson. I have been critical of his votes in 1999 and 2000 regarding gun shows and the Million Mom March, but he did vote in support of the Second amendment and was a co-sponsor along with John Thune to this very important bill.
Also note that this will put a roadblock in the Democratic activist Attorney Generals who have targeted the gun industry with the intent to destroy it with predatory lawsuits.
