Governor Cuomo Exposes NRA's Hypocrisy

Press Release

NRA's Own Actions Reveal That Its Lawsuit is Frivolous

New York to Highlight Incongruity in Its Defense of NRA Lawsuit -- NRA's Claims That it is Going Broke Are Directly Inconsistent with Reports That NRA Will Spend $1 Million to Confirm Judge Kavanaugh

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York will highlight the National Rifle Association's pledge to spend $1 million to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court in papers related to the state's motion to dismiss the NRA's lawsuit. The issue of doublespeak supports the Governor's defense of the lawsuit against New York that suggests the state's actions are a threat to "the NRA's corporate existence and its advocacy mission." This latest action follows reports that the NRA will purchase television ads urging the confirmation of President Trump's extreme conservative nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Once again the NRA's lies and deception have been uncovered," Governor Cuomo said. "It is the height of hypocrisy to cry poverty on one hand after being caught red handed profiting off an illegal insurance scheme, all the while spending $1 million to push its radical anti-gun safety agenda in Washington. New York will continue to fight against the NRA and their meritless law suit every step of the way."

The NRA's support of Kavanaugh and commitment to spend $1 million promoting his nomination proves that the organization is not on the verge of bankruptcy or experiencing financial hardship that could threaten its operations, is not being honest about their financial situation, and has filed a frivolous lawsuit against the state of New York.

The Motion to Dismiss the NRA's lawsuit, announced by the Governor last week, calls for the complaint to be dismissed in its entirety and argues that the actions by the Governor and Department of Financial Services to protect New Yorkers do not implicate the NRA's First Amendment Rights or deprive the NRA of any other constitutional protections.

In addition, citing Judge Kavanaugh's interpretation of an unlimited Second Amendment, Governor Cuomo and members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the New York Congressional Delegation in July called on the U.S. Senate to block the confirmation of President Trump's Supreme Court nominee.

In April, the Governor directed the Department of Financial Services to urge insurance companies, state-chartered banks, and other financial services companies licensed in New York to review any relationships they may have with the NRA and other similar organizations. Following this review, companies were encouraged to consider whether such ties harm their corporate reputations and jeopardize public safety.

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