Central ND News

A group of lawmakers has filed an amicus brief in support of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a case that addresses constitutional First Amendment rights and state overreach. The case, National Rifle Association v. Vullo, involves a lawsuit by the NRA against Maria Vullo, the former superintendent of New York State's Financial Services Department.

In 2018, Vullo called on local banks and insurers to sever ties with gun rights advocacy groups, including the NRA, citing "reputational risks" as the reason. Several organizations ended their partnerships with the NRA to avoid the potential revocation of their New York licenses.

The NRA alleges that Vullo used her position to financially blacklist the organization by pressuring banks and insurance companies to disassociate from it. The case was initially dismissed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York but has now been taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, has joined a bicameral amicus brief that supports the NRA's claim. The brief raises concerns about the infringement of constitutional rights, state interference, and the broader implications of governmental actions on national policy. It also requests that the Supreme Court reverses the appeal court's decision, stating that New York's actions are unconstitutional.

Senator Cramer expressed his support for the NRA and the protection of Second Amendment rights, stating, "Anti-gun activists know our right to bear arms is constitutionally protected and have tried everything under the sun to circumvent the Second Amendment. Firearms are a legal right, and any attempt to restrict it is a plain and simple infringement of the Constitution."

The amicus brief has been signed by 17 Senators and more than 60 House members, demonstrating a significant level of support for the NRA's position. The lawmakers argue that discriminating against constitutionally-protected rights for political expediency is unacceptable.

The case is expected to be heard during the Supreme Court's March 2024 sitting. The NRA's brief is due on January 9, 2024, while Vullo's brief is expected by February 20, 2024.

Senator Cramer has been at the forefront of efforts to protect constitutionally-protected industries from discrimination by financial institutions. He and nearly 40 of his Republican colleagues reintroduced the Fair Access to Banking Act, which prevents financial institutions from refusing or limiting services to these industries. The bill seeks to address the issue of banks and financial institutions categorically discriminating against legal commerce based on industry groups or reputational risk.

Support for this legislation comes from various stakeholders, including the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and industry groups such as the Lignite Energy Council, North Dakota Petroleum Council, and the National Mining Association.

The amicus brief filed by Senator Cramer and his colleagues aims to defend the First Amendment rights of the NRA and address concerns about state overreach. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the protection of constitutional rights and the limits of governmental actions on national policy.