Senate Proposed Bill S3407

At its inception, the United States Constitution was unique in that its power came from the bottom up (from the people) and was not top-down.  We became citizens instead of servants-of-the-king. 

In addition, there were many parts of the Constitution specifically designed to decentralize power.  We often think about three coequal branches of the government but there is another very important way power was diffused.  Amendment 10 says that, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”  The separation of powers between the states and the federal government is a vital part of the Constitution.

Our founders understood a simple truth, that it is easier for a tyrant to take power if it is centralized.  Decentralized power requires multiple efforts while centralized power can be taken in during one short, freakish moment.

Unfortunately, politicians being politicians, the federal government has constantly strived to increase its power, primarily by buying it from the states.  The feds offered to pay for things, relieving states of expenses, if power is transferred to the feds.  (Think highways.  Education is not a federal issue but the feds have bought their way into controlling it, too.)

The feds have also stepped in when the states abused citizens’ rights as with Civil Rights in the 1960’s.

Any excuse, good or bad, was sufficient for power hungry politicians to centralize power in Washington.

Now, the Left in Washington D.C. has initiated another power grab that would further move power from the states to the feds.

Twenty-seven states (a majority) have adopted Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry).  Constitutional Carry reflects the will of the citizens of that state and flies-in-the-face of the Left’s efforts to disarm American citizens.  So, the Left is striking back and trying to federalize gun laws that have traditionally been state issues.    

On 12/5/2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D Mass.) for herself and Senators Corey Booker (D New Jersey), Ed Markey (D Mass.), and Mazie Hirono (D Hawaii) introduced proposed Senate bill S3407.  All the sponsors are Democrats from deeply Blue States.  The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. 

Note: Whenever you see Elizabeth Warren’s name attached to something you can bet it increases the power in D.C.

Pistol Permits (or Constitutional Carry) have been state issues.  S3407 would supersede the states and require a federal license good for ten years to own firearms and ammunition.  There are numerous provisions to obtaining a federal license that are similar to Hochul’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act.

Note: there is an exception from the license requirement for lawfully possessed firearms and ammo at the time this law is implemented but if you want to buy another firearm you will need to be federally licensed.  And how will the retailer know about ammo purchases for previously owned guns?

The good (??) news for NY State residents may be that a license will not be required if a state “has in effect a process for issuing a state firearm owner’s license to eligible individuals in the State that is substantially similar to the requirements” in this law.  NY’s permit requirements are so over-the-top (unconstitutional) that we may qualify as an exception.  But if you are from a Constitutional Carry state – which is where this law is directed – they are about to find out what real bureaucracy is!

Oh yeah, if you pick up a box of .22 ammo for a friend or relative, you are a criminal under this law.

You will have to be 21 to buy a firearm or ammo.  (There a New York State bill establishing NO minimum age for a child to decide to have a sex change operation without parental consent.  [See January 29th,s email to members on ‘Natural Allies’ for more information.]  Apparently, a mental illness is not a disqualifying factor if you are doing something of which the left approves but saneness does not qualify you if the Left does not approve of your choice.)    

The bill is 281 pages long so we will only highlight a few of the other conditions.

Only one firearm purchased every 30 days.  Don’t worry about this since the added taxes and costs will make it unaffordable to buy more than one gun every 30 days.

30 percent tax on pistols, revolvers, firearms other than pistols and revolvers and any lower frame or receiver for a firearm, whether for a semiautomatic pistol, rifle, or shotgun that is designed to accommodate interchangeable upper receivers.

50 percent tax on Shells and cartridges.

Note: You will not see the taxes you will only feel them since they are hidden taxes on the manufacturer.  A $500 firearm will suddenly cost $650 (plus sales tax.)  And isn’t there some issue in the news about inflation?

Universal background checks designed to make it more bureaucratic – and thus more frustratingly difficult – to buy a firearm.  If you like working with the IRS you will love working with the ATF.

Secure gun storage for all firearms, not just handguns.

Gun Free School Zones expansion.  Apparently, mass murderers need more opportunities without the fear of someone shooting back.

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag Laws) are federalized.  Another example of a state power being taken over by the feds.

Assault Weapons’ definition is formalized and a great many semi-automatic firearms will now be illegal. 

Note: there is an exception for lawfully possessed ‘Assault Weapons’ at the time this law is implemented but if you want to buy another ‘Assault Weapon’ you are out of luck.  And how long before previously owned ones will be illegal?

Repeal of pistols revolvers and other firearms from consumer product safety laws.

And if a direct hit on gun owners is not enough, this law will fund anti-2A propaganda.  “$60,000,000 for each fiscal year for the purpose of conducting or supporting research on firearms safety or gun violence prevention.”  Anyone want to bet on how much of $60 million will go to pro-gun researchers?

Does it seem like a lot of proposed bills that are anti 2A are being pushed on us?  The way to prevent it is to remove anti-2A legislators from the legislature.  That’s called voting.  But hey, if they haven’t come for your gun yet, why worry.  30% tax on firearms and 50% tax on ammo aren’t inflationary, right?

Spread the word to those gun owners that don’t want to get involved that this is what is happening in D.C.