If there is anything we American hunters know about NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) Executive Director Chris Cox, it is that he stands out in a crowd. Even here at the 46th annual SCI show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, amid 20,000-plus attendees on a show floor packed with 1,100 exhibitor booths as far as the eye can see, Cox is front-and-center because he lives his life on the front lines for us—NRA members and non-members alike—defending and protecting our all-American hunting and shooting traditions 24/7. If you’re here in Las Vegas this week, then don’t miss your chance to hear him deliver the keynote address at SCI’s Saturday Evening Gala Dinner and Auction at the MGM Grand’s Grand Ballroom on Feb. 3.
“The NRA is like-minded to SCI and we are excited for Chris to address SCI members on Saturday night,” noted Libby Grimes, SCI Chief Business Officer, in announcing Cox as the SCI gala’s key note speaker. In acknowledging how Cox directs all of NRA's nationwide legislative and political efforts, she recognized his role in developing and executing NRA’s political campaigns and legislative initiatives; coordinating national advertising programs; overseeing NRA-ILA's multi-million dollar budget; and serving as NRA’s principal contact with the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the White House and federal agencies.
Just a few examples of NRA-ILA’s legislative and political efforts to protect hunting and wildlife conservation on the state, federal and international levels include: working for the adoption of hunter harassment laws and Right To Hunt and Fish Amendments in all 50 states; and working alongside SCI, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and other great like-minded groups to get the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act passed in the U.S. House last congress, enhancing hunter access to federal public lands while limiting the punitive regulations promoted by “animal rights” extremists.
In addition, NRA-ILA’s Conservation, Hunting and Natural Resources Division is dedicated to wildlife, land and related regulatory issues; its ILA Hunting Policy Division coordinates issues between federal, state and local jurisdictions; its International Affairs Division monitors hunting issues at the United Nations; and the NRA works on numerous court cases on behalf of hunters—and absorbs the legal fees. Visit NRAILA.org to search these NRA-ILA topics and more.
Chris Cox certainly stands out in a crowd for good reason. As groups like the NRA and SCI unite to increase the hunter’s voice, SCI’s “Grand Finale” Gala is an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets are available in the on-site registration area at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Doors open Saturday at 6:15 p.m. See you there!
