Category Archives: Second Amendment

With Daniel Lippman

WHAT UKRAINES LOBBYISTS IN WASHINGTON HAVE BEEN UP TO: As lobbyists on K Street rushed to drop newly sanctioned clients in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, including the developers and financial partners of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, one of Ukraines top lobbyists in the nations capital has been working the Hill to lay the groundwork for sanctions on Russias energy sector, Yorktown Solutions Daniel Vajdich, who represents Ukraines oil and gas lobby, told PI.

After spearheading a fierce lobbying campaign for Washington to reimpose sanctions on Nord Stream 2, Vajdich, who also represents the Ukrainian nonprofit Civil Movement for a Just Ukraine, said in an interview that his current focus includes creating an infrastructure in terms of financial sanctions against Russian financial institutions, including the central bank, that will allow us to go after the Russian energy industry. The U.S. has thus far steered clear of touching Russian energy interests, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki again appeared hesitant in a news briefing this afternoon, reiterating that we have not taken some steps on energy sanctions in part because we weigh their potential impact on the global markets and the American people. That doesn't mean they're off the table, she added.

Vajdich, a former adviser to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), said that his firm is seeking to counter those concerns. Were in the process of explaining to folks how the consequences of this can be minimized," he said, adding that hes working with several of the same people responsible for crafting the Trump administrations crippling sanctions on Irans oil and gas industry.

WHAT WAS ON THE CD: Meanwhile Andrew Mac, a partner in the Washington office of the Ukrainian law firm Asters who is registered as a foreign agent working as an unpaid adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been making the media rounds, according to recent documents filed with the Justice Department.

On Friday, DOJ posted a notice of informational materials that were filed by Mac on behalf of Zelenskyy the previous day on a CD, which the document noted would be available for review at the FARA Registration Units public office in D.C. When PI inquired about doing so, your host was told that the office was currently closed to the public, and that the unit would be meeting to determine how to allow access to the CDs contents.

After acquiring an external CD drive over the weekend just in case, DOJ spokesperson Wyn Hornbuckle this afternoon shared with PI that the CD contained an audio recording from a radio broadcast and we were able to find the broadcast in podcast form from a radio station in Peoria, IL, which is available at this link.

In the interview with host Craig Collins apparently hours before hostilities broke out, Mac explains that as an adviser to Zelenskyy on relationships in the U.S., I've been very active in the last few months as this crisis has unfolded. Much of the interview describes the historical backdrop of Russian President Vladimir Putins recognition of the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.

Mac says that, if God forbid we had an all out war between Russia and Ukraine, it would be devastating for Ukraine, but warns also that Ukraine is very much a Second Amendment type of place, and that we would see definitely millions of Ukrainians taking up arms ordinary citizens in the event of a Russian invasion.

Mac in the interview also appeared to throw some shade at the Wests pre-invasion strategy. I think many people were hoping that the steps the United States has taken to publicly tell the world about Russian plans in Ukraine and we've seen that on a daily basis for months now would deter Putin, he argued. Obviously, he doesn't seem very deterred. Mac also added that arguably the time for pre-invasion deterrents had passed, while estimating his level of concern at a 10 out of 10.

Separate documents show that Mac participated in an interview with the Reuters Global Market Forum, warning that a Ukrainian default is inevitable if the fighting there lasts more than a few weeks.

Good afternoon and welcome to PI. Send lobbying tips and gossip: [emailprotected]. And be sure to follow me on Twitter: @caitlinoprysko.

A message from Altria:

Moving beyond smoking. Altrias companies are leading the way in moving adult smokers away from cigarettes by taking action to transition millions toward less harmful choices. We are investing in a diverse mix of businesses to broaden options beyond traditional, combustible cigarettes. See how were moving.

A GLIMPSE AT FARAS FUTURE?: Twitter announced this afternoon that it would begin adding labels to and reducing the visibility of tweets containing content from Russian state-affiliated media outlets such as RT and Sputnik, both of which have been ordered by the Justice Department to register under FARA in recent years.

The announcement quickly sparked a discussion among FARA experts on the platform who noted the labels could serve as a template for the Justice Department as it weighs whether and how to expand FARAs conspicuous statement disclosure requirements for materials disseminated by foreign agents to digital and social media platforms.

This is exactly how #FARA labeling requirements could be updated to identify content being spread by registered foreign agents, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecrafts Ben Freeman wrote in a tweet applauding Twitters move.

Meanwhile David Laufman, a partner at Wiggin and Dana who co-authored an American Bar Association report last year laying out how to fix the Nazi-era statute, and Sandler Reiff Lamb Rosenstein & Birkenstocks Josh Rosenstein, who also praised Twitters announcement in light of the forthcoming FARA updates, quibbled over whether DOJ requirements should disclose the foreign principal in question as well as the foreign agent distributing content. Ideally both, but in this case Id settle for the principal, Laufman responded.

TRAVEL, BUSINESS GROUPS PRESS BIDEN TO DITCH MASKS ON PLANES: The airline industry Friday petitioned the White House to scrap the federal requirement that people wear masks at airports and on board aircraft once it expires next month, a request that came on the same day that the CDC eased its mask wearing guidance for other parts of American life, POLITICOs Oriana Pawlyk reports.

In a letter to White House Covid-19 czar Jeffrey Zients, Airlines for America, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Travel Association urged the Biden administration to shift away from pandemic-era travel advisories, requirements and restrictions toward endemic-focused policies of a new normal that enable travel to resume fully, freely and safely.

The groups added that when the TSAs current mandate for wearing masks on planes and in airports expires on March 18, the administration should use this date as a decision point for either repealing or announcing a plan and timeline to repeal the federal mask mandate within the subsequent 90 days.

The request came hours after the CDC announced that Americans can stop wearing masks, even indoors, especially if individuals are healthy and vaccinated. Given travels slow economic recovery, and in light of the improved public health metrics in the U.S. and medical advancements to prevent the worst outcomes of COVID-19, we encourage the Administration to immediately remove travel requirements that no longer fit with the current environment and to set clear timelines and metrics for when others will be lifted, the groups wrote.

Their letter included a series of policy recommendations such as scrapping a policy requiring pre-departure testing for vaccinated individuals traveling to the United States and ditching messaging that could discourage travel. The trade associations also asked the administration to develop benchmarks and timelines for a pathway to the new normal that repeals pandemic-focused travel restrictions by June 1.

WALL STREET LOBBIES AGAINST BOOTING RUSSIA FROM SWIFT: Some of Wall Streets largest banks told lawmakers and the Biden administration that kicking Russia off the SWIFT financial-messaging system would have far-reaching fallout that could hurt the global economy and undermine the purpose of the penalties, Bloombergs Daniel Flatley, Katherine Doherty and Hannah Levitt report, citing people familiar with the matter.

Firms including JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. suggested Washington stick with other types of sanctions to punish Russia for invading Ukraine, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private talks. Other banks with less international exposure were more receptive to the idea, telling officials that it would be a manageable step. Representatives from the banks declined to comment.

Opponents of the idea passed along a warning: Booting Russia from the critical global system which handles 42 million messages a day and serves as a lifeline to some of the worlds biggest financial institutions could backfire, sending inflation higher, pushing Russia closer to China and shielding financial transactions from scrutiny by the West. It might also encourage the development of a SWIFT alternative that could eventually damage the supremacy of the U.S. dollar.

Garrett Levin has renewed his contract as president and chief executive at the Digital Media Association, which represents major music streaming services like Amazon, Apple, Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube, for an additional three years. DiMA also promoted Sally Rose Larson to vice president of government relations and public affairs and tapped Lauren Danzy to serve as director for external affairs and industry relations.

Chris Rinkus has joined education technology company GoGuardian to lead their government affairs in D.C. He was previously deputy assistant secretary at the Education Department.

Forbes Tate Partners is adding Michael Pepe as a grassroots advocacy senior vice president, Taylor Mason as a state government relations vice president, and Eliza Green as an analyst on the public affairs team. Pepe most recently was senior director of communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mason most recently was executive director of the Rare Disease Company Coalition, and is a David Young alum.

Tom Davis has joined the Financial Technology Association as vice president of membership and development. He was most recently global membership director for the Young Presidents Organization.

Jamie Geller is joining Purple Strategies as a senior director and communications lead. She spent seven years on the Hill, most recently as communications director for Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

Rachael Hartford is joining Precision Strategies as associate vice president for communications. She previously was deputy communications director for Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

Ryan Diffley is now senior manager at Troutman Pepper Strategies. He previously was legislative assistant for Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.).

Annaliese Yukawa will be legislative assistant/professional staff member for House Oversight Government Operations Subcommittee Chair Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), per Playbook. She previously was senior policy analyst with Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas.

Targeted Victory is launching a crypto practice, led by Josh Arnold. Arnold previously was deputy chief of staff for Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

Chris DAloia is now D.C. press secretary for Rep. Josh Gottheimers (D-N.J.), Huddle reports. He was most recently a senior account executive at LEVICK.

Everett Eissenstat will be chair of North America and global trade lead at Edelman Global Advisory, Playbook reports. He most recently was senior vice president of global public policy at General Motors, and is a Trump White House alum.

HAWLEY SHOW-ME STRONG COMMITTEE (Sen. Josh Hawley, Fighting for Missouri PAC, Rep. Vicky Hartzler)Jake Auchincloss Victory Fund (Rep. Jake Auchincloss, MA 4 Dems PAC)JOHN GIBBS GREAT LAKES COMMITTEE (John Gibbs for Congress, Inc., THE GREAT LAKES LEADERSHIP PAC)JOHN JAMES FOR MICHIGAN (John James for Congress, Inc., Mission First People Always PAC)

Crypto Foundation of America (PAC)THE GREAT LAKES LEADERSHIP PAC (Leadership PAC: John Gibbs)Healthy Louisiana PAC (PAC)MICHIGAN CONSERVATIVE ACTION (Super PAC)MLK PAC (Super PAC)Tyo Jerkins for Congress (Super PAC)Voting Genie LLC (Super PAC)

Baker & Hostetler LLP: The Freedom InitiativeBgr Government Affairs: Eos Defense Systems USa, Inc.Bgr Government Affairs: Iranian American Community Of Northern CaliforniaBgr Government Affairs: Targa ResourcesBrownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc.Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Running TideClyburn Consulting, LLC: National Healthy Start AssociationCornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.: California Walnut CommissionFarragut Partners LLP: Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.Farragut Partners LLP: Pharmaceutical Research And Manufacturers Of AmericaFoley & Lardner LLP: Haymarket Media, Inc.Hogan Lovells US LLP: Mercedes-Benz USa, LLCHolland & Knight LLP: Emd Serono, Inc.Lobbyit.Com: Forest Stewardship Council United StatesSteptoe & Johnson LLP: International Dairy Foods AssociationStrategies 360: Golden Valley Electric AssociationTownsend Public Affairs: Golden State Natural Resources, Inc.

Roberti Global (Fka Roberti White, LLC): Nord Stream 2 AgVenable LLP: Sberbank Cib USa, Inc.

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Moving beyond smoking. Altrias companies are leading the way in moving adult smokers away from cigarettes. Today, we are taking action to transition millions toward less harmful choices.

From cigarettes to innovative alternatives. By investing in a diverse mix of businesses, Altria is working to further broaden options. Our companies are encouraging adult smokers to transition to a range of choices that go beyond traditional, combustible cigarettes.

From tobacco company to tobacco harm reduction company. And while Altria is moving forward to reduce harm, we are not moving alone. We are working closely with FDA and other regulatory bodies, and will work strictly under their framework.

See how were moving.

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What Ukraine's lobbyists have been up to - Politico

A gun-rights bill that would exempt Wyoming officials and law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal gun control laws violating the Second Amendment has passed a legislative committee and is headed to the Wyoming Senate.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 4-0 in favor of the bill. You can read Senate File 102 here.

While the measure is designed to protect gun ownership in Wyoming, some gun rights activists consider the measure as weak compared with Senate File 87/House Bill 133, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, which failed to pass introduction votes in both houses of the Wyoming Legislature last week.

Supporters of that legislation say Senate File 102 is flawed because it doesn't name specific acts that would be deemed as unconstitutional and because state officials are only barred from using state funds to enforce federal gun control laws, but could still enforce those laws using federal money. Wyoming law enforcement officials in 2021 came out against similar legislation to Senate File 87 in 2021, in part because of concerns that the legislation would remove qualified immunity from Wyoming law enforcement officers under some circumstances.

All of the state's 23 county sheriffs signed a letter opposing the 2021 bill that was similar to this year's Senate File 87.

In Judiciary Committee discussion of Senate File 102 on Monday. Byron Oedekoven, the former Sheriff of Campbell County who is now a lobbyist for the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs And Chiefs Of Police [WASCOP] spoke in favor of the bill.

Oedekoven said the legislation ''looks to prohibit law enforcement, or anyone else for that matter, from taking any action on any unconstitutional attempts to infringe on the Second Amendment. So it likewise leaves in place the federal legislation that is constitutional.''

Senate File 102 now faces three readings in the Wyoming Senate. If the Senate signs off on the legislation, it would then move on to the Wyoming House of Representatives.

Hundreds Of Miles Of Tumbleweeds Trapped By Wyoming Fencing

Here Are the Top 10 Reasons Why You're Lucky to Be Living in Wyoming

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Second Amendment Protection Act Passes Wyoming Committee - Kgab

Since taking office just over a year ago, President Biden and Congressional Democrats have spent more than $3 trillion on big-government programs, many of which were included in the so-called American Rescue Plan. This out-of-control spending has led to an economic crisis culminating in the highest rate of inflation in 40 years, the highest gas prices since 2014, and a broken supply chain that has left store shelves bare. Yet, instead of reining in the reckless spending that has led to this situation, this week, Democrats on the House Budget Committee doubled down on their tax-and-spend agenda and held a hearing advocating for the elimination of the debt ceiling. Given the worsening fiscal outlook for the Nation, this plan is outrageous. During the hearing, I expressed my dismay over the Majoritys attempt to eliminate one of the few potential ways we can push back against the Lefts runaway spending. Democrats must recognize that we cannot continue to spend in the manner in which they have been if we wish to preserve the long-term viability of our economy.

***

Whether in Richmond or Washington, I have always been a staunch defender of the Second Amendment. That is why I joined my colleagues inwritingto the Acting Director of theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to express our outrage about a proposed rule that would allow the agency to create apermanent database to track all lawful firearm sales. This rule would essentially serve as a federal gun registry, the creation of which has previously been prohibited by Congressional action.According to documents published at the time, the ATF had already collected 54.7 million records in FY 2021 alone. In response to the aforementioned letter, the ATF informed Congress that they were in possession of an estimated 920,664,765 records on firearm transfers. It is an affront to the Second Amendment and the American people that the federal government would maintain such extensive records of law-abiding citizens firearm transfers. I will continue to fight any attempt to create a Federal gun registry. To read the latest letter I sent to the ATF, clickhere.

Congressman Ben Cline (R-6)

Originally posted here:
Defending Fiscal Sanity & The 2nd Amendment - The Roanoke Star

The once-free, English-speaking democracy of Canada is plummeting into thuggish tyranny. Mounted police trample unarmed peaceful protestors, on the orders of Fidel Castros Mini-Me, Justin Trudeau. North Americas Ceauescu declared a state of emergency and suspended Canadas Constitution. Translated into German, he invoked the Enabling Act to deal with the Reichstag Truckers.

So what should run through our heads? A number of things:

First we should pray for those brave Canadians fighting for their Magna Carta rights, against a regime run by a petty dictator who publicly admires Communist China. Heres the prayer the great Archbishop Vigano is offering:

Next lets offer prayers of thanks that our ancestors revolted against Great Britain. We can see now in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, that speaking English is no magic guarantee against Latin American-style fascism. There is something peculiar about the United States, which has so far held us back from the brink.

Lets think about that something. What was it? How can we cling to it, restore it, and carry it into the future?

As Ive argued here before, on a legal, practical level, that something is the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Speaking spiritually and psychologically, its the attitude toward citizenship that exists among citizens who retain the power to protect themselves. And in the worst extremity, to resist a tyrannical state.

Governments just dont dare try things like locking a whole population up in their homes. Not if those homes hold military-style weapons, and citizens ready to use them in self-defense. It might sound ugly to say this. If David French hears it, he will probably burst into tears. But its a grim reality of our fallen condition that the only guarantee against deadly force is force.

Our founders knew that from grim experience. Theyd heard countless sermons from Christian pulpits about the persecutions which Puritans and other dissenters had suffered at the hands of Stuart monarchs. Theyd helped their neighbors defend their settlements against American Indians whod understandably fought to resist Colonial landgrabs. Theyd seen that the very spark of the War of Independence was a struggle in New England over access to gunpowder.

Thats why the right of citizens to bear arms comparable to the military found unanimous support among the founders. As Stephen Halbrook documents, the debates over the ratification of the Bill of Rights saw repeated references by various founding fathers to citizens militias and an armed citizenry as the final guarantee of freedom. It took the COVID panic, which elites worldwide weaponized to bully and micromanage billions of people, to drive the point home again.

Notice that even in America, it was only in blue states where the Second Amendment is effectively and wrongfully nullified that suffocating constraints prevailed, and still prevail. Thats no coincidence. A populace that knows it is disarmed, helpless, and utterly dependent upon the police is much more docile. Like a Petsmart full of lapdogs, instead of a wood full of wolves.

The problem with shrinking into a lapdog, of course, is that the world is still full of wolves. The modern, secular State is one enormous wolf, like the world-ending Fenrir from Norse mythology. His snout is spattered red with the blood of innocents 170 million civilians murdered by their governments between 1914 and 1990. Those victims had one thing in common. Theyd been disarmed by those governments first.

At this point I hear in my head a nasal, whiny voice. Its the sound of the Servile Christian commentator, chiming in like Ned Flanders from The Simpsons. Okely-dokely, but what about Romans: 13? It sounds to me like youre callin on folks to act like a bunch of Zealots. And as Josephus noticed, it didnt work out too well for them in AD 70 in Jerusalem!So lets look at that passage. I will spend most of my columns this week examining how interpretations of this injunction by St. Paul have changed over the centuries. I ask you to read it slowly and reflectively, considering the implications of how you interpret it. If your reading of a Bible verse leads to outrageous consequences, which violate Natural Law or vitiate the Old Testament, or seem to condemn the behavior of many saints then youre reading it wrong.

A wrong reading of Romans 13 would imply that Holy Scripture condemned in advance:

Now the passage, from St. Paul addressing the church in Rome:

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is Gods servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are Gods servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are Gods servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

I have too much reverence for St. Pauls human wisdom, beside the inspiration of Scripture, to take this sensible, prudent piece of advice and run with it over the Gadarene slope into the sea. That is what many Christians have done over the centuries for instance by teaching that slavery was legal, and hence must be accepted. Or else by telling their congregations to be good Germans and obey the Nazis.

St. Paul was writing to a group of underground Christians living in an absolute monarchy dressed up like a republic. In the Rome of his day, wealthy senators could be falsely denounced for treason then summarily executed, with their estates seized for the State. Hed seen Jewish Zealots crucified for rebelling against the Romans. He knew that a third or more of that citys population were slaves. Furthermore, Paul was concerned to make clear to his readers that the Church was not a political movement seeking power. Instead, it was a family concerned with preaching the Gospel and offering sacraments, such as Baptism.

Paul did wish to rebuke those tempted to anarchism or antinomianism, who thought that the Kingdom of Christ dethroned all earthly authority and laws. He taught that it is good for men to live in organized societies, where legitimate rulers protected order and punished crimes. Some Christian thinkers have argued that the Fall is the only reason men need to have governments. Thomas Aquinas disagreed, asserting that even unfallen men would still need a single authority to organize and rule them.

Many early Christians were tempted to absolute pacifism rejection of military and even police use of force. Later on, many others would be drawn to political quietism refusal to resist evil laws or unjust authorities.

In my next few columns Ill explore the history which taught Christians the necessity, and the limits, of resistance to the government.

John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. He is co-author with Jason Jones of God, Guns, & the Government.

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Mike Lindell Is Sending the Freedom Convoy Pillows. I'd Like to Send Them Our Second Amendment - The Stream

WASHINGTONOn Tuesday, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), alongside more than twenty colleagues, introduced the No Backdoor Gun Control Act. This legislation would remove Any Other Weapon (AOW) from the definition of a firearm under the National Firearms Act (NFA), ensuring that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) could not use the AOW section to violate Americans' Second Amendment rights. This is especially important should legislation that removes short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns (SBRs, SBSs) from the NFA be enacted. Closing this loophole is an important step forward in reining in the ATF.

Bearing arms in self-defense is a human right. It is evident from the ATFs behavior that, under Joe Bidens Department of Justice, the agency is hellbent on attacking the Second Amendment through every means at its disposal. I am grateful for my colleagues work in Congress to remove short-barreled rifles and shotguns (SBRs, SBSs) from regulation under the National Firearms Act. However, should that legislation be successful in doing so, the NFAs Any Other Weapon provision would still allow an anti-gun administration to use the ATF to unilaterally regulate these firearms, and, more importantly, target their owners. The No Backdoor Gun Control Act would close this notable loophole and help protect law-abiding gun owners, Rep. Roy said.

The federal government has no business taxing and registering privately owned firearms with a catch-all term like Any Other Weapon or AOW. With the Biden Administration weaponizing definitions from the draconian National Firearms Act of 1934 to ban as many as 40,000,000 lawfully acquired guns like AR-15s, Rep. Chip Roys repeal of federal AOW regulations could not come at a better time, said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs, Gun Owners of America.

The No Backdoor Gun Control Act:

The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Daniel Webster (FL-01), Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Ted Budd (NC-13), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Marjorie Taylor Green (GA-14), Ken Buck (CO-04), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Matt Rosendale, (MT-at-Large), Jody Hice (GA-10), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Scott Perry (PA-10), Alex X. Mooney (WV-02), Randy Weber (TX-14), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Bob Good (VA-05), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Thomas Massie (KY-04), Michelle Fischbach (MN -07), and Mary Miller (IL-15).

This legislation is supported by Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Association of Gun Rights (NAGR).

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Rep. Roy Introduces Bill to Close Loophole in National Firearms Act - Chip Roy

Two constitutional amendments will appear on the Student Government Association spring election ballot on March 8 and require two-thirds of student voters approval.

The first amendment was initially written in April 2021 by former First Year Councilor David Ware and would require the Elections Board to publish alleged violations and rulings on violations to the SGA website.

Under the proposed amendment, the Elections Board reserves the ability to redact all contact information of the complainant upon publication, including name, phone number and email address, to prevent harassment of the complainant.

Upon publication of the alleged violation, at the request of the complainant, all personal identifiable information shall be redacted including the name of the complainant and any information that could directly implicate the complainant, the legislation reads.

This amendment is not the first time SGA aimed to share election violations online. When Wares amendment passed in First Year Council last year, former SGA press secretary Jackson Fuentes said the Elections Board posted violations online in the past.

They stopped the practice due to privacy concerns, but Fuentes said the SGA wanted to begin posting violations online again to remain transparent with the campus.

During the spring 2021 election cycle, The Crimson White requested a complete list of violations six times beginning Feb. 28, 2021. The Elections Board did not respond to these requests. Multiple senators faced election violations last cycle, and some believed it was a targeted act.

The second amendment, initially drafted in January by Sen. John Richardson, would formally end SGAs responsibilities in homecoming elections and remove all constitutional language referencing the SGAs former role in homecoming.

Richardson proposed a resolution for the SGA to break ties with homecoming in January that was approved by the Senate. The amendment on the spring election ballot would officially end SGA involvement with homecoming and strike all mentions of the event from the Constitution.

Richardson also chairs the homecoming task force, which was created this semester to develop a new manual for the homecoming queen selection process following this years election cycle.

Questions? Email the news desk at newsdesk@cw.ua.edu.

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SGA amendments seek to break homecoming ties, publicize election violations - The University of Alabama Crimson White

On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast:West unveils sanctions on Russia

The moves come afterRussiaordered troops to eastern Ukraine this week. Plus, Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page talks about healthcare workerburnoutin the late pandemic, trucker protests head for the capital, national correspondent Kevin McCoy reports onSecond Amendmentbattles in courts nationwide and the Major League Baseball work stoppage hits Day 84.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here.

Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Taylor Wilson:

Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson and this is 5 Things you need to know Wednesday, the 23rd of February, 2022. Today, sanctions on Russia, plus healthcare worker burnout, and more.

Taylor Wilson:

Here are some of the top headlines:

Sanctions are going into effect against Russia from countries around the world. The response comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops this week into two pro-separatist regions of Ukraine. Germany made one of the first big moves, taking steps to stop the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which links Russian energy to Germany and other parts of Europe. Chancellor Olaf Scholz:

Taylor Wilson translating Olaf Scholz:

The situation today is fundamentally different. Therefore, in view of the latest development, we have to reassess the situation also with regard to Nord Stream 2.

Taylor Wilson:

And British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced sanctions on Russian finance.

Boris Johnson:

Today, the UK is sanctioning the following five Russian Banks: Rossiya, IS Bank, General Bank, Promsvyazbank, and the Black Sea Bank. And we are sanctioning three very high net worth individuals: Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg and Igor Rotenberg. Any assets they hold in the UK will be frozen. The individuals concerned will be banned from traveling here, and we will prohibit all UK individuals and entities from having any dealings with them.

Taylor Wilson:

As for the US, President Joe Biden announced sanctions against Russian oligarchs and more.

Joe Biden:

Who in the Lord's name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called countries on territory that belonged to his neighbors? This is a flagrant violation of international law, and it demands a firm response from the international community. So today, I'm announcing the first tranche of sanctions to impose costs on Russia in response to their actions yesterday. These have been closely coordinated with our allies and partners and we'll continue to escalate sanctions if Russia escalates.

We're implementing full blocking sanctions on two large Russian financial institutions: VEB and their military bank. We're implementing comprehensive sanctions on Russian's sovereign debt. That means we've cut off Russia's government from Western financing. It can no longer raise money from the West and cannot trade in its new debt on our markets or European markets either.

Starting tomorrow and continuing in the days ahead, we'll also impose sanctions on Russian's elites and their family members. They share in the corrupt gains of the Kremlin policies and should share in the pain as well.

Taylor Wilson:

Putin had called for pledges from the West that Ukraine and other former Soviet states not join the NATO Alliance, but many Western leaders have accused him of plans to expand the Russian empire, something Putin shrugged off yesterday.

Taylor Wilson translating Vladimir Putin:

We see and also have anticipated speculations on this issue, that Russia wants to restore the empire within the empire's borders. This is totally false.

Taylor Wilson:

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would consider breaking diplomatic ties with Russia and did recall Ukraine's ambassador from Moscow. He said he was calling some of the country's military reservists, but that there was still no need for a full military mobilization. While Putin moved some troops into Ukrainian territory, most still remained stationed around the country's borders.

America's healthcare workers are reporting major levels of burnout and even anger in year three of the COVID-19 pandemic's worst effects. But despite the complications of COVID-related politics and rising abuse from patients and their families, polling shows that many actually still love their jobs. Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page reports.

Susan Page:

Here's one thing that's amazing. We're going into year three of COVID, and these healthcare workers who have been on the frontlines are really positive about their jobs. Three out of four say they love their jobs, and 80% of them say they're satisfied with their jobs. They have job satisfaction. That's pretty amazing. On the other hand, they're feeling pretty battered. One out of four say they are likely to leave the healthcare field sometime in the near future. That'd be a big exodus of medical expertise. And a third are not sure they would have chosen healthcare as their field if they had to do it all over again.

We're at a time when I think a lot of Americans see light it at the end of the tunnel when it comes to COVID. We see mask rules being lifted, for instance. We see COVID cases going down. Healthcare workers are not yet convinced that's true. Only about one in five say this pandemic is mostly under control or entirely under control. Most of them say we're still in the middle of things. And by two to one they say Americans are not doing enough these days to take care of their own health, by doing things like wearing masks and socially distancing, and especially getting vaccinations.

The biggest frustration, I think, that these healthcare workers have is the number of patients they have who have not been vaccinated. When they talk to these patients, they are more likely to hear from them that they are defiant about vaccines, that they don't believe in vaccines than they are to hear them express regret that they didn't get a vaccine, which of course, might have prevented them from getting COVID.

Taylor Wilson:

For Susan's full story, check out a link in today's episode description and you can find her on Twitter @SusanPage.

A series of trucker protest convoys are headed for Washington. Complaints at the heart of demonstrations vary, but center on issues with COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccine mandates. The Freedom Convoy said itplans to shut down the Capital Beltway, which surrounds DC today, and the People's Convoy will leave California today with plans to arrive in Washington in early March. It's not clear whether the protest will bring the same kind of chaos that paralyzed both Canada's capital of Ottawa and order towns in recent weeks. The Pentagon says it's approving the deployment of nearly a thousand unarmed troops to prepare for the convoys.

Escalating Second Amendment court battles could soon dramatically reorder the country's relationship with firearms. Gun rights groups are filing lawsuits that challenge local, state, and federal restrictions on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and they're winning. National Correspondent Kevin McCoy has more.

Kevin McCoy:

Well, we looked at six gun groups that filed lawsuits between the beginning of 2016 and the end of 2021. There's the National Rifle Association, which is probably the best known of all, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Gun Owners of America, the California Rifle & Pistol Association, which is a California affiliate of the National Rifle Association, and the National Association for Gun Rights.

There's a case that was filed by a different affiliate of the National Rifle Association, and it's called New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. It was filed in federal courts, and it has made its way all the way up to the US Supreme Court, which heard arguments in it last November. Now, that case is expected to result in a decision this coming summer, and it focuses on an issue in the Second Amendment.

The Second Amendment in the past was focused mainly on militias, but the Supreme Court changed that in 2008 under a ruling called the Heller decision. It said that the Second Amendment extends to self-defense. Now, the case that's before the Supreme Court now takes that a step farther. It argues that the New York State prohibition on licensing of people, unless they can show good cause, then they can't be allowed to get a firearms license to take a firearm away from their home for self-defense. Now, the court during the arguments seem to favor knocking down that law. If that happens, it's going to change the law across the country probably. There are about five different lawsuits that have already been teed up by these groups that are on hold pending the decision by the Supreme Court.

If the Supreme Court says that yes, you do have the right under the Second Amendment to carry a firearm away from your home for self-defense without having to prove that you have good cause for it, then you're going to have that kind of a change in all states. When you talk to people who are opposed to like absolute gun rights, they say, "Well, that means that you're going to have more firearms in crowded cities, rural areas, every place."

Taylor Wilson:

Check out the full story on USATODAY.com.

Major League Baseball and its players' union will meet again today to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. Less than a week remains in what both sides say is a Monday deadline to allow the season to start on time on March 31st. The league has already canceled the first week of spring training. Players did make a slight shift toward management yesterday on their proposal for increased salary arbitration eligibility. The union is also asking for increases in the Minor League minimum salary among other issues. Today is the 84th day of the second longest work stoppage in baseball history.

Thanks for listening to 5 Things. We're here seven mornings a week on whatever your favorite podcast app is. Thanks, as always, to PJ Elliott for his great work on the show, and I'm back tomorrow with more of 5 Things from USA TODAY.

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West unveils sanctions on Russia, trucker protests head for the capital: 5 Things podcast - USA TODAY

This week, numerous Second Amendment-related measures will be considered in the Tennessee Legislature. NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters are encouraged to remain active and in constant contact with their elected officials as they debate both pro- and anti-gun bills. Those measures to be considered are outlined below:

Pro-Gun

HB 2330strengthens the right-to-carry of Tennessee residents by turning the current enhanced handgun carry permit into a lifetime permit, while eliminating the existing lifetime handgun carry permit framework. In short, it would turn the standard permit into a lifetime permit and get rid of the existing lifetime permit language. This would have distinct benefits:

HB 1735lowers the age at which a person could exercise their Right-to-Carry without a permit to 18, regardless of military background. It would also lower the age to obtain an enhanced handgun carry permit to 18.

HB 1898alters the enhanced handgun permit carry statute (T. C. A. 39-17-1351), the temporary handgun carry permit statute (T. C. A. 39-17-1365), and the concealed handgun carry permit statute (T. C. A. 39-17-1366) to provide that these permit holders may carry afirearmfor self-defense rather than just a handgun.

Anti-Gun

HB 1830seeks to enact a raft of anti-gun measures through the guise of public health measures:

HB 2087creates a Class C misdemeanor for storing a firearm or ammunition in an unattended motor vehicle or boat unless the firearm or firearm ammunition is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, utility or glove box, or a locked container securely affixed to the motor vehicle or boat. The legislation would also heighten the existing storage requirement under the parking lot statute. HB2087 also creates a lost or stolen firearm reporting requirement whereby a person would be required to report a lost or stolen firearm within 24 hours of discovering it missing. A violation would be a Class C misdemeanor.

HB 2620requires anyone with firearms in the same residence as a minor under 18 years of age, to store those firearms, unloaded in locked containers, and to store ammunition in separate, locked containers. There are limited exceptions for firearms carried on the person, and firearms that are within two feet of both distance and eyesight.

This outlandish bill effectively bans home-defense firearms for anyone with a minor in the home. Many Tennesseans currently keep a loaded handgun, rifle, and/or shotgun locked in a quick access safe by the bed, ready to deploy immediately if needed, but still secured from access by children. HB 2620 would discourage and curtail the manner in which parents introduce their children to firearms, by placing a legal burden on the parents fora childs malicious or benign conduct.In more rural parts of the country, high school students have been known to hunt in the morning and, as unwise as it might be, at times neglect to take their firearms out of their vehicle before heading to school. You can imagine any number of benign scenarios where a high schoolstudent might mistakenly have a firearm in their car on school property after hunting or target shooting over the weekend. While these students would likely be severely punished, there is no reason to foist a misdemeanor on their parents.

With the extreme nature of the above anti-gun measures, it is important that you please contact members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and ask them to Oppose House Bills 1830, 2087, and 2620.

Read more:
Tennessee: Your Action Needed - Big Week Ahead for Gun Bills in the Volunteer State - NRA ILA

The claim that the Justices opinions are politically neutral is becoming increasingly hard to accept, especially from Thomas, whose wife, Virginia (Ginni) Thomas, is a vocal right-wing activist. The New Yorker

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Please join me this Friday for a festive celebration and fundraiser. Its going to be a fun, low-key time. Also, my husband is on the Supreme Court.

In keeping with my ongoing philanthropic efforts, Ive pledged to make my birthday event all about giving back, and your generous donations are highly encouraged. Obviously, I cant promise you anything in return for participating other than the pure feeling of contributing to a worthy cause. Also, my husband does sit on the highest court in the United States.

It is my birthday, but no need to bring a giftjust yourself and your checkbook. (A $5,000 minimum donation is required to attend the party.) Contributions are tax deductible and, to keep things simple, checks can be made payable directly to me. My last name is spelled the same way as one of the justices on the Supreme Court.

The fundraiser benefits the BWF Foundation (Babies With Firearms), an incredible organization that makes sure that babies can easily register for guns at the hospitals theyre born at. We all know that life begins at conception, and gun ownership should begin at birth. (Side note: Christian babies only.)

If over $500,000 is raised, your name will also be etched on a commemorative plaque that will be installed on a bollard near the Supreme Court building as a reminder of your vital First and Second Amendment rights. And so that my husband can see it as he goes to work and can remember what a good time he had at this party.

The evening will include some light music, no dancing, and spirited conversation about what used to, and will again soon, make America so great. Have you thought about fireworks recently? How great are they? If you pledge at least $10,000 right now, Ill let you onto the lawn to watch a red, white, and blue firework displaywhich my husband will also be watching. Hell be the one in the robe.

Im already looking forward to your attendance so we can support a great cause and talk about important topics facing this country, like how January 6th was just a fun lawn party/indoor parade that the media blew totally out of proportion. What, we cant have indoor parades now? Also, did you know there are only nine Supreme Court justices, and my husband is one of them?

Well round out the evening with a patriotic toast from yours truly, reminding you how much freedom your money is helping to buyand that Im available for very private paid speaking engagements. If youre ready to commit $25,000 right now, Ill make sure you, or a think tank of your choosing, are mentioned by name (depending on your tax situation). My husband loves to hear me give toasts, and also, the Supreme Court is a lifetime appointment, and hell be there for the foreseeable future.

Hoping you (or your corporations chief philanthropy officer) will be able to attend. There will be a lot of governors there (but only from the good states). Looking forward to seeing you and your money soon!

Link:
You're Invited to My Birthday FundraiserAlso, My Husband Is on the Supreme Court - McSweeney's Internet Tendency

ISLAMABAD: The Opposition, which enjoys a majority in Senate, faced an embarrassment in the Upper House after the government managed to pass theOil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) (Amendment) Bill, 2022.

Ahead of the vote, PPPs Yousaf Raza Gilani said that a public hearing was necessary before approving the price. However, Leader of the House Senator Shehzad Waseem said that the bill was already passed with consensus in the relevant standing committee.

Senator Raza Rabbani said that the bill should have been put before the Council of Common Interest. But on the other hand, Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz clarified that the bill empowers OGRA and has "nothing to do with the IMF and CCI."

When the bill was presented before the House, the Opposition staged a walkout and the bill was passed by the Senate after the Dilawar Khan group voted in favour of the bill.

In the initial voting, 29 senators voted in favour and the same number of lawmakers voted against the bill. However, the bill was passed by the Upper House after Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani voted in favour of the bill.

The same happened during the allied health professional councils bill; the senate chairman cast the decided vote in favour of the law.

Chairman Sanjrani took a jibe at Energy minister Hammad Azhar after the latter arrived in the House late.

Hammad you can leave, the bill has been passed and youre late as always, said Sanjrani.

Under the bill, if the federal government fails to notify OGRAs recommended prices within 40 days, the regulator will be empowered to notify the new price.

The bill empowers OGRA to decide the price of RLNG and LNG without holding a public hearing.

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Opposition suffers another defeat as Senate approves OGRA second amendment bill - Geo News