Congress' Approval At Dismal 11 Percent

The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel reports from Washington that, “Every minute we debate, our poll numbers drop,” U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver told his colleagues on the House floor during the recent debate over the payroll tax.

“It's probably at a point now where they can't drop any further.”

They still can drop a little further. But not much.

A Gallup poll released on Dec. 19 shows Congress' approval rate at 11 percent, the lowest rating since Gallup began asking the question in 1974. For 2011, Congress' approval averaged 17 percent, the lowest annual rating in Gallup history.

“This month's record-low congressional job approval rating is one of a number of measures of Congress that have reached historical low points this year,” Frank Newport, of Gallup, said in a release accompanying the latest poll.

“This suggests that 2011 will be remembered as the year in which the American public lost much of any remaining faith in the men and women they elect and send off to Washington to represent them.”
Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat, gained fleeting fame in July for coining the term “Satan sandwich” to describe a budget-cutting deal. That deal was reached after a partisan stand off over the debt ceiling that took the country to the brink of default in the summer.

Before that crisis, there was the near government shutdown in April. Between the big battles, there were multiple skirmishes, not to mention the failure of the so-called “supercommittee” to meet its goal of developing $1.5 trillion in budget cuts.

Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, said the public disgust with Congress “is a reflection of where Congress is as an institution, and it's a reflection of how dysfunctional it is.

“People want us to come to some kind of agreement and compromise.

“Unfortunately, I think it's going to get worse before it gets better, and we're in for years of the same. Something will have to happen to shake up the system.”

Read more: http://newsok.com/congress-is-at-low-point-in-public-approval-polls-show/article/3635217#ixzz1higv0hRc.

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Where Are They Now? Owen Shackelford

Owen Shackelford, the former Democratic Caucus director for the Oklahoma Senate, has joined "Mad Dog Mail" in Fernandina, Florida as managing partner.

Shackelford, who managed Congressman Dan Boren's first congressional campaign in 2004, joined the firm earlier this year.

The firm specializes in helping Democrats who seek office.

From the firm's website:

"Owen joined Mad Dog Mail in February 2011 as Managing Partner. Prior to joining Mad Dog, Owen served as Political Director for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) for four years. During his tenure at the DLCC, Owen played a crucial role in developing and implementing the national strategy that helped the DLCC win hundreds of legislative seats in 2008 and to minimize losses in the tough political environment Democrats faced in 2010. Additionally, Owen worked hand-in-hand with individual caucuses, legislators, new candidates, and campaign managers to craft communications strategies that simply worked.

"Prior to joining the DLCC, Owen was Caucus Director for the Oklahoma Senate. Owen tripled the caucus’s budget in one cycle and kept Republicans from claiming an almost certain majority in the 2006 cycle when eight Democrats left office because of term limits.

"In addition to his extensive work at the state legislative level, Owen managed Congressman Dan Boren’s first campaign for Congress in 2004, helping elect Oklahoma’s only Democrat in Congress.

"Owen has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 16 years. They have three children. Liz is 19, Daxon is 11, and Judson is almost 2."

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Lankford Intros Taxpayers Right To Know Act

Congressman James Lankford introduced H.R. 3609, the Taxpayers Right to Know Act, in the House today to provide the American people with a better understanding of how their tax dollars are spent.

Congressman Dan Boren is an original cosponsor of the legislation, and Senator Tom Coburn is the lead sponsor in the Senate.

A GAO report released in March 2011 found “overlap and fragmentation among government programs or activities can be harbingers of unnecessary duplication.” The Taxpayers Right to Know Act addresses this waste in government by requiring each federal agency to produce an annual report that identifies every program with a description of the program and its costs, expenditures for services, beneficiaries of services and number of staff. This information would be posted online, along with recommendations from each agency to improve their efficiency. By eliminating overlap, duplicative programs and services and fraudulent payments, GAO estimates billions of dollars could be saved annually.

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Boren Introduces Fishing, Hunting Heritage Act

Congressman Dan Boren has introduced the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act which he says will greatly enhance the ability of federal land managers to provide, promote, and plan for recreational uses that balance the needs and interests of outdoor enthusiasts.

The bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to utilize the “multi-use” mandates in their agencies’ respective land management plans to promote sportsmen and sportswomen’s access to forest and public lands.

“I introduced this legislation to preserve the heritage of hunting, fishing and shooting on our Federal public lands. Numerous reports in recent years have demonstrated what sportsmen already know; access to public lands is being closed or constrained due to increased development along boundary lines,” Boren said.

“Nearly 50 million men, women, and youth hunt and fish. Almost half of all hunters use federal lands, and in certain states the federal government owns the only open land available. Millions more engage in target shooting at ranges and informal sites on our public lands. We must protect and enhance sportsmen’s access to federal lands and opportunities to participate in these activities.”

Specifically, the bill requires that all federal public land planners evaluate the effects that management initiatives have on outdoors activities, and provide a clear analysis of how proposed actions would affect these traditional users of federal public lands.

The legislation maintains that an “open until closed” approach is best. This would require that lands which are currently open to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting remain open unless reasonable closures are determined to be necessary after proper notification to the public and to Congress has been made.

The bill would provide federal land managers with the authority to designate specific areas for recreational shooting.

It also maintains states’ authority to manage fish and wildlife on Federal public lands and preserves the exclusive authority of states to require licenses or permits for sportsmen and sportswomen.

Finally, the Act recognizes the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Sporting Conservation Council as policy advisors to the Administration on issues relevant to wildlife conservation and sportsmen’s communities.

Nothing in the bill will open lands to hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting that by law or regulation are presently closed or require that a federal agency give preference to hunting, fishing, or shooting over other uses of Federal public land or water management priorities.

The bill was introduced with 25 co-sponsorships by other Members of Congress including the entire leadership of House Congressional Sportsmen Caucus of which Boren is Co-Chairman. Since that time, 14 co-sponsors have been added for a total of 39.

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Obama Nominates Sandy Coats For Law Post

President Barack Obama has nominated Sanford Coats, son of University of Oklahoma Law School Dean Andy Coats, to be the U.S. attorney for the Western District.

"Sandy Coats has had an outstanding reputation in the U.S. Attorney's Office," said Congressman Dan Boren. "He is a wonderful public servant and has also been a personal friend for many years. I am confident that Sandy will do an excellent job for the citizens of the Western District."

Earlier this year, Boren, the only Democrat in the state's congressional delegation, and Governor Brad Henry, also a Democrat, made a number of recommendations for federal jobs in the Obama administration.

Senator Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., also supported Coats' nomination.

Coats has been an assistant U.S. attorney in the Oklahoma City office since 2004 and was chief of the Major Crimes Section from 2007 to 2008. From 1999 to 2003, he was in private law practice in Oklahoma City. He's a graduate of Tulane University and the University of Oklahoma law school. He clerked for Justice Marian Opala of the state Supreme Court.

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Boren Notes Publication's 30th Anniversary

Washington, D.C. ~ U.S. Congressman Dan Boren today delivered the following speech on the floor of the House of Representatives to congratulate Mike McCarville on the 30th Anniversary of The McCarville Report:

“Madame Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of an influential Oklahoma publication, The McCarville Report, and to acknowledge its author - Oklahoman Mike McCarville. Born in Enid and later raised and schooled in Del City, Oklahoma, Mike has spent his entire professional life in the field of journalism. Throughout his career, Mike has written or contributed to almost every notable Oklahoma newspaper. However, it has been the very popular McCarville Report that has solidified his influence in Oklahoma politics and culture.

"The McCarville Report provides daily insight into the policy positions and issues that face Oklahoma’s elected officials. It is an important resource to me and the thousands of Oklahomans that read it every day.

"Congratulations Mike on 30 years of providing Oklahomans with The McCarville Report - your hard work does not go unnoticed."

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SPR: Boren Challenge A Non-starter?

By Hastings Wyman/Southern Political Report ~ “I think they’re whistling Dixie” says veteran Oklahoma political journalist Mike McCarville about the GOP’s targeting of three-term US Rep. Dan Boren (D) in Oklahoma’s 2nd District (Muskogee, etc.). McCarville, who writes “The McCarville Report,” points out that the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) targeted Boren based on McCain’s strong showing (66%) in the district, “but Boren carried the district by even more (73%).”

University of Oklahoma political scientist Keith Gaddie echoes this sentiment.

“If (US Rep.) Tom Cole (R-OK) was still running the NRCC, he would tell them not to bother.”

Gaddie points out that some 40% of the registered Democrats in the state are in the 2nd district, which encompasses the area known as “Little Dixie;” moreover, it is the fourth poorest rural congressional district in the United States, so it is especially prone to vote Democratic during economic recession.

Oklahoma Democrats are confident that Boren will win.

“Boren really listens to the needs of the 2nd District,” says Karina Henderson, communications director for the state Democrats. “They are very satisfied with him.”

Boren’s strength has several sources. For starters, he comes from a high-profile political family. His father served as Oklahoma’s governor and US Senator, and is currently president of the University of Oklahoma.

For a Democrat, Congressman Boren has a strongly conservative record. As of 2006, the National Journal rated him an average of 49% liberal, 51% conservative. He is a member of the Blue Dogs group of right-leaning Democrats, is on the board of directors of the National Rifle Association, and in 2008 declined to endorse Obama. Moreover, Boren has a whopping $1.2 million in his war chest, while none of his opponents has demonstrated any significant fundraising ability.

But Gaddie doesn’t think the GOP is totally off the wall in targeting Boren. “The reason the NRCC is targeting the district is to keep Dan Boren and the other Blue Dogs honest,” i.e., to keep the pressure on Boren and others so that they don’t back all of Obama’s liberal domestic initiatives.

Despite the widely held perception that Boren is unbeatable, five candidates are competing for the Republican nomination to oppose Boren next year. And while none are A-list -- i.e., have the sort of political experience and/or financial prospects that make for a winning candidate -- it is a sign of deeply held resentments here about the Obama Administration and its policies that five upstanding citizens are challenging the incumbent Democrat.

Moreover, there is some evidence that they have already had an impact on the strong-as-onions Boren. He has now decided he will hold a town hall meeting, where health care will be the hot topic. This after one of the GOPers, Dan Arnett, blasted Boren for planning to have a “phone-in” meeting rather than come face-to-face with voters on the issue. Arnett planned to hold his own meeting in front of one of Boren’s district offices.

The five candidates, all of whom espouse a conservative viewpoint, include:

Dan Arnett, 25, was born and raised in Henryetta in the district. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science at Oklahoma Christian University, where his studies included a semester in Vienna, Austria. He is now in his final semester of law school at Drexel University. He has worked with the Public Defender’s Association in Philadelphia and with the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. Arnett filed with the FEC on April 30, but has not yet filed a financial report.

Dan Edmonds was born and raised in the district, where his family was involved in the horse and cattle business. He has a master’s degree in agriculture and is working on his doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He served as an intern on farm policy with several state and federal lawmakers and has traveled around the world working with local farmers on agricultural practices. He is active in church and civic affairs. He filed with the FEC on August 7.

Bert Fisher was raised in Tulsa, received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from West Point, and served in Vietnam. After receiving an MBA from Ohio State University, he returned to Oklahoma, where he has worked in finance, manufacturing management, petroleum engineering, and sales engineering. He has not yet filed with the FEC.

Howard Houchen recently completed a 1,100-mile meeting, greeting and speaking tour of the district. He is a small businessman (All American Garage Doors, Inc.) and contributing writer to several conservative publications. He also served on the Hugo City Council. He was raised in the district and in Asia, where his stepfather worked for a US oil company. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s in National Security Studies from American Military University. Houchen has filed with the FEC, but as of July 7, had not raised the $5,000 minimum that requires a financial report.

Charles Thompson is a veterinarian who was born and raised in the 2nd District. He served in the military. Although he has not formally entered the race, he is appearing around the district.

“These have stepped up on their own,” says Oklahoma Republican state chairman Gary Jones; “They were not recruited.” Jones noted that they are all well-educated “and are people that could truly represent the district.” He added that the party is “not actively out there” looking for other challengers, although the NRCC has indicated that it is talking to other contenders.

A potential sixth contender, state Rep. Tad Jones (R), a six-term legislator who is term-limited in 2010, is not expected to run. Jones would have brought some political heft to the race, although he would still have been an underdog to Boren.

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Boren Schedules Town Hall Meetings

Democratic Congressman Dan Boren announced today the addition of three public town hall meetings to a previously announced telephone town hall series.

Boren said he's hosting the meetings "to broaden the discussion on health care reform and to gather input from constituents across the Second District."

Boren's announcement followed word that a Republican seeking his party's nomination for the 2nd District seat, Dan Arnett, will hold meetings outside Boren's local offices.

Boren's town halls are scheduled for August 18th in McAlester, Muskogee, and Pryor.

He joins other members of the congressional delegation in scheduling such meetings with the Obama Administration's health care plan expected to be the major topic.

“Town hall meetings are great opportunities for constituents in the Second District to come together as a community and share their thoughts and concerns,” Boren said. “I hope this event is well attended as communication is a key part of representing eastern Oklahoma. The dialogue expressed during town hall meetings greatly assists me,” Boren said.

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Cruising The Editorial Pages...

The Oklahoman ~ The Republican Party apparently believes U.S. Rep. Dan Boren can be knocked out of his 2nd District seat next year. Boren is among 80 House Democrats who are being targeted for defeat by the National Republican Congressional Committee. The state’s GOP boss, Gary Jones, says several talented Republicans have said they want to run in 2010, and that despite being heavily Democratic in registration, the 2nd District went strong for Republican presidential candidate John McCain last year. Interesting stuff, but it’s worth noting that Boren, D-Muskogee, has gotten at least 70 percent of the vote in each of his two elections for the office. And, he has a large wad of campaign cash at his disposal. The national GOP might want to aim elsewhere. [Editor's Note: Boren has won election three times; in 2004, he won the general with 66 percent. In 2006, he hit 73 percent. In 2008, he got 70.5 percent.]

Tulsa World ~ The confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor as the third woman and first Hispanic on the U.S. Supreme Court never was in real doubt. She is well qualified with a diversity of experience unmatched on the court: private practice, prosecutor, trial judge and appellate judge. And, of course, the votes were there all along, as evidenced by her 68-31 margin. Oklahoma's two U.S. senators, James Inhofe and Tom Coburn, were not among the nine Republicans who joined the Democratic majority to make her a justice. They, along with 29 other members of the GOP, instead gave the equivalent of the Bronx cheer to this wise Latina woman, an Ivy League graduate and daughter of the New York City housing projects. With Coburn and Inhofe, partisanship is a line in the sand, almost never to be crossed — a consistency which, for better, or worse, Oklahomans can count on. Sotomayor, however, is unlikely to meet their cynical expectations. Her judicial record — 17 years on the bench is the best evidence that she is not a judicial activist in sheep's clothing. The political polarization that has become a standing feature of Supreme Court confirmation hearings, no matter which political party is in control, does not benefit the country. The hearings confuse observers more than they enlighten them about a nominee. Sotomayor acquitted herself well during this political theater, which is good training for what? She attempted to dispel claims that her personal background would somehow override her duty to follow the law. She said she'd be cautious in overturning precedents and that she believed judicial activism had its limits. She made no promises about how she might rule on any given issue, signaling an open mind rather than a closed one. When the 111th justice packs her bags in anticipation of the first Monday in October, the traditional opening of the Supreme Court term, she will bring with her sound judgment, keen intellect and a wealth of experience. Rest assured, Justice Sonia Sotomayor will not pack lightly.

The Oklahoman ~ The "birther” movement has been taken so seriously that some members of the military have actually resisted orders to deploy to Afghanistan on grounds that Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States and therefore can’t be commander in chief. The movement has garnered support from Rush Limbaugh, who never encouraged the conspiracy theories regarding Bill Clinton, but National Review magazine says it’s time for the "birther” talk to stop. No fans of Obama, the magazine says, "There are plenty of real reasons to oppose Barack Obama and his statist ambitions — being the party of reality, conservatives have no need of imaginary ones.” National Review says the theories about Obama’s birthplace are nonsense. We concur.

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National Republicans Target Dan Boren

The National Republican Congressional Committee has targeted Oklahoma Democratic Congressman Dan Boren of the 2nd District for defeat.

Boren is one of about six dozen House Democrats the NRCC has listed as a target in 2010.

Commentary: Tilting At Windmills? Republican strategists apparently believe John McCain's strong showing in the 2nd District means Democrat Boren is vulnerable. That belief overlooks the penchant of the district's mostly-Democrat voters to vote for the man in past elections. The 2nd elected liberal Democrat Mike Synar in years past, elected conservative Republican Tom Coburn more recently, and has given overwhelming support to the conservative Boren, who now sits on a campaign warchest of more than $1.2 million. His likely GOP opponents will be lucky to raise a fifth of that sum combined and while the NRCC lists Boren as a target, it may not be inclined to pour money into trying to defeat him if polls show continued strength on his part. Boren's conservative bonafides are substantial; he's a member of the Blue Dogs and is a newly-elected member of the National Rifle Association's Board of Directors who will be endorsed by the NRA and by the Oklahoma Rifle Association, both with some clout among voters in the 2nd District. (Disclaimer: Your commentator is a life member of both organizations and is a consultant to the NRA.) Boren has cast some votes that will cause him discomfort, he'll spend time explaining his 81 percent support of Obama's agenda (including "Cash For Clunkers") and he'll be needled repeatedly by both local and national Republicans. But unless something dramatic occurs or a name Republican with money to burn gets into the race, make Boren a 10-to-1 favorite to be easily reelected. ~ Mike McCarville

The listing appears to be based, in part, on Republican John McCain's showing in the district in the 2008 presidential race; he got about 66 percent of the vote over Democrat Barack Obama. George Bush did about as well in 2004, when Boren defeated three other Democrats outright with 58 percent of the vote. He won the general with 66 percent. In 2006, he hit 73 percent. In 2008, he got 85 percent in the primary against a no-name opponent and got 70.5 percent in the general while McCain was close behind him. The two percentages demonstrate the tendency of 2nd District voters to pick and chose, party notwithstanding.

Boren declined to endorse Obama despite immense pressure that he do so. His father, OU President David Boren, strongly endorsed Obama as did Governor Brad Henry.

"They're looking at the numbers without understanding the situation," said veteran GOP pollster Chris Wilson of the NRCC's action. Wilson heads Wilson Research Strategies in Washington and Oklahoma City.

Another veteran GOP operative and insider said, "In all likelihood he is safe, but a storm could develop. If you look at Charlie Cook’s Partisan Voting Index, he gives Republicans a 14-point advantage and rates it as the 68th most Republican congressional seat in the nation. Boren’s real problem would occur should he break from Obama in a public way and encourage a Democratic primary. Kalyn Free (liberal defeated by Boren in the 2004 primary) running there could move Boren to the left and leave him vulnerable if a state legislator (say Tad Jones who could raise money as House floor leader) decided to take a flyer (and run)."

McCain's showing apparently has prompted some Republicans to consider running against Boren. GOP Chairman Gary Jones told The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel there are six who have said they might run. Three already have declared as candidates but none of them are at this time considered real contenders; the entry of Tad Jones, or someone similiar, could change the dynamic.

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Noted Quote: Obama 'is very unpopular'

“Barack Obama is very unpopular. He got 34 percent of the vote statewide, and less in our district. If he were to run for re-election today, I bet it would be even worse.” ~ Democratic Congressman Dan Boren, as quoted in the Oklahoma Gazette.

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Boren: Mandated Abortion Coverage 'Unacceptable'

Congressman Dan Boren has written House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to tell her that as a health care reform proposal is being considered by Congress, any inclusion of mandated abortion coverage "is unacceptable."

Boren's letter outlines his opposition to abortion and states that he cannot support any legislation that mandates abortion coverage. He urges Pelosi to ensure that the health care reform proposal does not include such a provision so meaningful health care reform can be achieved.

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Study: Boren Backs Obama At 81% Level

Democratic Congressman Dan Boren backed President Barack Obama 81 percent of the time in the president's first six months in office, according to a new study that said Obama is on pace for the most successful presidential year in recent history in terms of congressional support. The study is reported in today's The Oklahoman.

Republican Rep. Mary Fallin had the second-highest score in the Oklahoma congressional delegation in presidential support this year. She backed Obama's position 50 percent of the time.

The scores were compiled by Congressional Quarterly, whose publications cover Capitol Hill and national politics.

But the measurements of presidential support were based on relatively few votes.

According to CQ, the president took a position on only 26 votes cast by the House and 37 cast by the Senate.

One notable issue on which Fallin backed the president and broke from the majority of her party was on the bill allowing the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco.

Among Oklahoma Republicans, Congressman Frank Lucas had the lowest presidential support score, at 27 percent. The others: Senator Tom Coburn, 33 percent; Congressman Tom Cole, 38 percent; Senator Jim Inhofe and Congressman John Sullivan, both 43 percent.

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Boren Opening Durant District Office

Congressman Dan Boren is opening a new district office in Durant.

The office, located at 112 N. 12th Ave., will open Monday to assist citizens in Durant, the rest of Bryan County, Atoka County, Johnston County, Coal County, Choctaw County, Hughes County, and the Lake Texoma area.

The Durant office will be staffed by Joe Hill, Field Representative, and Scott Smith, Caseworker, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hill will continue serving the southwestern portion of the Second Congressional District as a community liaison for constituents, civic organizations, as well as local, county, and state government agencies.

Smith will be available to help resolve citizens’ issues with federal agencies.

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Boren Co-sponsors Military Voting Act

Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) today as the lead Democratic co-sponsor of H.R.2393, or the Military Voting Protection Act of 2009.

By allowing the U.S. Postal Service to express-ship troops’ absentee ballots, the legislation would help ensure the ballots are delivered to local election offices back home in time to be counted.

Senator Jim Inhofe is a Senate co-sponsor of the legislation.

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Hugo Republican Eyes Congressional Seat

From www.muskogeepolitico.blogspot.com ~ Howard Houchen of Hugo has confirmed that he is "seriously considering a run for the U.S. Congress" District 2 seat now held by Democrat Dan Boren.

Houchen, a Republican, has a bachelors degree in political science and a masters in National Security Studies with an extensive international and small business background.

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Boren Authors Native American Apology

Congressman Dan Boren has introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to proclaim an official apology from the United States Government to Native American peoples.

The legislation, H. J. Resolution 46, would commend and honor Native Peoples for "the thousands of years they have stewarded and protected this land, and acknowledge years of official depredations, ill-conceived policies, and the breaking of covenants by the Federal Government regarding Indian tribes," a statement from Boren's office said.

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Boren Rejoins House Armed Services Panel

Congressman Dan Boren says he will rejoin the House Armed Services Committee to fill an open seat He took a temporary leave of absence from the panel earlier but retained his seniority.

As the Armed Services Committee gets set to discuss the next Defense Authorization and Defense Appropriation bills this spring and summer, this committee assignment could mean millions more in federal funding for Oklahoma’s military institutions and service members, Boren said.

He added he expects to serve on the committee for the next 1 to 5 months. Boren will retain both his current seats on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Natural Resources Committee while serving on Armed Services.

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U. S. Chamber Honors Boren Voting Record

Congressman Dan Boren was honored today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his voting record on behalf of Oklahoma and American businesses during the second session of the 110th Congress.

The award presentation for the 2nd District Democrat was held in Washington this morning.

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Boren To Obama: Back Off Gun Control Agenda

Washington ~ The Second Amendment Task Force (SATF) of the U.S. House of Representatives, Co-Chaired by U.S. Congressman Dan Boren and U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, issued a letter this week to both President Obama and House Speaker Pelosi in opposition to any future attempt to reinstate a ban on the sale of semiautomatic firearms, described by some as assault weapons.

Recent comments made by the United States Attorney General, Eric Holder, prompted the SATF to send the letter to House Leadership and the Administration saying that any attempt to reinstate such a ban would be absolutely unacceptable and in violation of the Second Amendment.

“As Co-Chair for the Second Amendment Task Force, I am absolutely opposed to targeting lawful gun ownership in any way especially when it entails renewing a failed policy that demonstrated no tangible impact on reducing crime in the United States. As law abiding gun owners, sportsmen, American citizens, and Members of Congress, we firmly believe that one of many responsibilities with which the American people have entrusted government is to protect their Constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” said Boren.

“Today, the Second Amendment Task Force sent a unified and clear message to the Administration and House leadership expressing our grave concerns with any attempt to reinstate the inaccurately described ‘assault weapons’ ban. As co-chair of SATF, we will block attempts that chip away at our constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms. I urge the Attorney General to revisit his comments about reinstating the ban and instead focus on providing law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to prevent the illegal use and transfer of firearms,” said Congressman Paul Broun.

Although advocates of reinstating the ban argue it would reduce crime, studies have shown that deaths related to the use of assault weapons showed negligible difference during the ten-year period while the ban was in place. Furthermore, though the words “assault weapons” conjure images of a specific style of firearm, in fact the weapons outlawed by the original ban functioned the same as any semiautomatic, fully legal hunting rifle.

The Second Amendment Task Force was formed this year in the House to monitor how any legislation might affect gun ownership rights and to give gun owners a strong and focused voice in the 111th Congress.

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