e nations largest and wealthiest cause-oriented groups (Birnbaum, 212). The NRA is able to rally support when the right to bear arms is under attack. In 1999, perhaps the worst year in memory for mass shootings, the NRA tied for number 2 in FORTUNES Power 25 survey of clout in the capital, its highest rank ever (Birnbaum, 212). The NRA also has a well-earned reputation of being able to make the difference between victory and defeat in marginal districts throughout U.S. And despite the spree of killings that has occurred, has not lost its influence or support. Although some lawmakers are compelled by events to create gun-control legislation, the incessant lobbying of the NRA often keeps away the necessary support. Because so few citizens vote the NRA is considered very powerful by being able to attract a couple thousand voters for a candidate in an election. In 1998, the NRA spent $150,000 for pro-gun Senator Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky) and mobilized support for him which enabled him to win by just 6,766 votes. President Clinton even went so far as to proclaim the NRA is the reason the Republicans control the House (Birnbaum, 214). In January of 2000, Clinton announced a $280 million dollar program that he termed the largest national gun enforcement initiative in the history of the United States (Mcmillion, 2). Congress had long been feeling the presidential pressure to legislate more restrictive gun law policies especially concerning juvenile gun laws. In response to this pressure, the Senate was able to pass a bill, S.254, to require that sales at gun shows offering 50 or more guns be subject to background checks, would prohibit minors possession of military assault weapons, ban imports of high-capacity ammunition clips, and require that handguns be sold with child safety locks. The House followed suit by passing its juvenile justice bill, H.R. 1501, with comparable gun provisions. However, discrepancies between the House and ...
