A split Supreme Court has rejected a pair of gun rights cases, though one conservative justice predicts the court will soon consider whether assault weapons are constitutional.

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Minnesota asking to revive the state’s ban on gun-carry permits for young adults.

A federal judge in Kansas has tossed out a machine gun possession charge and questioned if bans on the weapons violate the Second Amendment.

The Supreme Court has sidestepped a new set of Second Amendment fights.

Former President Donald Trump has urged gun owners to vote in the 2024 election as he addressed thousands of members of the National Rifle Association, which officially endorsed him just before Trump took the stage at their annual meeting in Texas.

An Oregon judge has ruled that a voter-approved gun control law violates the state constitution.

The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on the sale or possession of the type of semiautomatic weapons used in hundreds of mass killings nationally.

The federal trial over Oregon's voter-approved gun control measure started Monday in Portland.

A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that a law banning licensed federal firearms dealers from selling handguns to young adults under 21 violates the Second Amendment and is unconstitutional. The ruling came Wednesday. It would prevent dealers from selling handguns to 18- to 20-year-olds. Four plaintiffs challenged the constitutionality of the 1968 law and associated regulations from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after they were turned down when they tried to buy handguns. Wednesday's ruling is the latest decision striking down gun laws in the wake of a landmark 2022 Supreme Court ruling. That ruling changed the test courts have long used to evaluate challenges to firearm restrictions.

A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that a law banning licensed federal firearms dealers from selling handguns to young adults under 21 violates the Second Amendment and is unconstitutional.

An Oregon court has ruled that local governments in the state can’t declare themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries and ban police from enforcing certain gun laws.

Republican New York Rep. Chris Jacobs is not seeking reelection amid backlash over his support for an assault weapons ban.

The Supreme Court ruling expanding gun rights threatens to upend firearms restrictions across the country as activists wage court battles over issues including age limits and bans on AR-15-style guns.

Governors, lawmakers and attorneys general in states with strict gun-permitting laws are strategizing over how to shore up their restrictions after Thursday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision expanded gun rights in a New York case.

The recent surge of mass shootings in America has led to debates in faith communities over what is “pro-life.”.

An Arizona bill that would prohibit government agencies from contracting with firms that refuse to do business with firearms companies is getting strong support from majority Republicans but tough criticism from the banking industry.

The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a gun rights case that could lead to more guns on the streets of New York and Los Angeles and threaten restrictions on guns in subways, airports, bars, churches, schools and other places where people gather.

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2020, file photo the Supreme Court is seen at sundown in Washington. Scott Applewhite, File)WASHINGTON – A possible expansion of gun rights is on the Supreme Court's agenda, days after mass shootings in Colorado and Georgia. The appeal comes from New York, which gun rights groups say is among eight states that make it difficult if not virtually impossible for people to get permits to carry guns in public. Unclear is whether the recent mass shootings will affect the court's consideration of the case. “The justices may be more reluctant to take a big Second Amendment case right now," Winkler said.

President Donald Trump tweeted directly at voters in Virginia on Monday with a message about Gov. Ralph Northam, the Second Amendment and gun rights. “Your Governor wants to obliterate your Second Amendment. Your Governor wants to obliterate your Second Amendment. I am the only thing between you and your Second Amendment.

ROCKY MOUNT, VA. – On Monday night, Rocky Mount Town Council took another step in making itself a Second Amendment sanctuary. Earlier this year, it passed an ordinance that said it did not support any new gun restrictions passed by the General Assembly. State lawmakers did end up giving localities the choice to restrict guns in certain situations, which took effect July 1. Town Manager James Ervin said the town doesn’t plan to do anything however. Ervin pointed out that future councils could still decide to pass gun restrictions if they want to.

RICH CREEK, Va. Rich Creek joins a long list of localities in Virginia that have approved some type of resolution surrounding their Second Amendment sanctuary status. Town leaders voted unanimously at Monday nights town council meeting to make Rich Creek a Second Amendment sanctuary, according to the Rich Creek Police Department. [List of Second Amendment sanctuaries in Virginia and where its being discussed]

LYNCHBURG, Va. Almost two weeks after hearing the case, Lynchburg judge Patrick Yeatts said the new Virginia background check law does not violate rights protected by the Second Amendment. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced Tuesday he planned to appeal the injunction. Earlier this month, gun rights advocates fought the new background check law, which went into effect on July 1st. The original complaint was filed against the superintendent of the Virginia Department of State Police, who will be responsible for enforcing this new background check law. Attorney General Mark Herring has defended the law, saying it closes loopholes in the process.

ROANOKE, Va. Ahead of new guns laws that take effect in Virginia on Wednesday, gun owners in the Roanoke Valley are speaking out about the new restrictions. Gun owners, including Aliya Fitz-El, stopped at Roanoke Firearms to stock up. A lawsuit filed by gun rights lobbyists to block the law was denied by a judge last week. That kind of hurts the gun shows a little bit because instead of instant background check, youve got an hour or two or maybe a day or two background check, said Cochran. I havent seen a lot of people coming in just to buy their handguns because the new laws taking place tomorrow, said Cochran.

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s new handgun sales law will be going into effect as planned. On Thursday, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced that a judge has denied the gun lobby’s attempt to block the one-handgun-a-month law. Herring called it, “a huge win for public safety,” in a tweet and continued, saying, “Proud we could successfully defend this commonsense law to reduce gun trafficking and keep Virginians safe.”🚨BREAKING🚨A judge has DENIED the gun lobby’s attempt to block the one-handgun-a-month law. “I am really pleased that the judge agreed with me today and rejected the gun lobby’s attempt to block the one-handgun-a-month law. “Virginia had a one-handgun-a-month law in effect for nearly twenty years that was extremely successful in keeping firearms out of our communities and out of the hands of dangerous individuals.

RICHMOND, Va. – Gun rights advocates are suing to block a Virginia law from taking effect that would ban people from being able to buy more than one handgun a month. The Virginia Citizens Defense League, Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation are among plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed recently in a circuit court. Virginia’s Democrat-controlled General Assembly passed the bill, along with other gun control measures, in April and Gov. Law enforcement officers, correctional officers, antique firearms dealers and concealed handgun permit holders are among a list of those exempt from the law. Attorney General Mark Herring said he would defend the bill, The Virginian-Pilot reported, citing a statement from the prosecutor.

Ralph Northam responded directly to criticisms from President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon. Northam tweeted: I grew up on a Virginia farm, Mr. Presidentour potatoes are fine. And as the only medical doctor among our nations governors, I suggest you stop taking hydroxychloroquine. And as the only medical doctor among our nation's governors, I suggest you stop taking hydroxychloroquine. During the event, Virginia farmer David Hickman, the co-owner and operator of Dublin Farms spoke and provided President Trump with a lesson on potatoes grown in Virginia.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order related to the coronavirus is being challenged by gun rights organizations. Citizens Defense League, Gun Owners of America, SafeSide Lynchburg and the Association of Virginia Gun Ranges filed the suit in Lynchburg Circuit Court challenging Executive Order 53, according to Attorney General Mark Herring’s office. The organizations are seeking an injunction to overturn the order and allow shooting ranges to remain open and operating during Virginia’s state of emergency. “Despite federal guidance which deems gun ranges as essential, Gov.

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate has advanced two pieces of Gov. Ralph Northam’s proposed gun-control measures after previously rejecting them. The Senate voted Wednesday to advance legislation that would require gun owners to report to police any lost or stolen firearms and to toughen the penalty for leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm in a reckless manner that endangers a child. Northam’s office agreed to water down both measures in order to to win support of some Democrats who rejected earlier versions. Lawmakers are set to give final passage in coming days to seven out of eight gun-control bills backed by Northam.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – Another county is now trying to take the next steps in the battle against gun control by taking matters into its own hands. "We hope to get a militia formed for Franklin County," said William Dyer, executive member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League. More than 100 people there used the militia muster call as a way to educate the community. Second Amendment supporters in Franklin County are not just looking for support from neighbors, but the Board of Supervisors and beyond. The militia muster call is happening on March 7 at noon at the Franklin County Recreation Department.

RICHMOND, Va. – A Virginia House committee has passed a controversial assault weapons ban bill that will advance to the full floor. According to bipartisan advocates who watched the proceedings, the bill bans assault weapons, including popular AR-15-style rifles. The bill also sets a definition for assault weapons to include magazine sizes, which would have a limit of 12 rounds. Democrats and gun control advocates are applauding the move, and gun rights supporters are voicing frustration. A version of this bill failed to pass the Virginia Senate, so if this clears the House, Senators would still have to vote for it before it hits the governor’s desk.

ROANOKE, Va. – As more and more counties vote to become Second Amendment sanctuaries, we’ve compiled a list to help you keep track. 10 News talked with a Constitutional law professor to learn more about what it means to become a Second Amendment sanctuary. To read the bills related to weapons, including guns, that will be discussed during Virginia’s 2020 legislative session, click here. Counties/Cities Adopted:Accomack County - Adopted on Dec. 18. Email jwilliamson@wsls.com

RICHMOND, Va. – On Wednesday, the Virginia Senate passed the controversial red flag gun law bill. ORIGINAL STORYOne day after more than 20,000 gun rights supporters staged a spirited demonstration outside the Capitol, a passionate debate in the Virginia General Assembly ended with a gun control proposal advancing. Changes passed on a vote along party lines for a Democrat-supported bill that would institute a red flag law, which would let law enforcement officers take guns from people believed to be a danger to themselves or others. Democrats are pleased that the red flag bill, also called extreme risk protective orders, is moving forward. “The red flag bill is one of the worst bills I’ve ever seen come through this chamber,” said Sen. Bill Stanley, a Republican representing Franklin County.

Ralph Northam has released a statement after Lobby Day in Richmond. One person was arrested during an otherwise peaceful demonstration Monday at the Capitol that drew more than 20,000 people. This resulted from weeks of planning and extensive cooperation among state, local, and federal partners in Virginia and beyond. Thousands of people came to Richmond to make their voices heard. I will continue to listen to the voices of Virginians, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep our Commonwealth safe."

RICHMOND, Va. – Thousand were in Richmond for Monday’s pro-gun rally on Lobby Day. There were issues with the live feed signal when it was broadcasting, causing some choppiness in this video.

RICHMOND, Va. – On Monday, the Virginia Citizens Defense League is holding what it says is the most important Lobby Day it’s ever had. The group chartered about 50 buses so people could get to Richmond from all over the Commonwealth. For some, it’s their first time going to Lobby Day. They say they want democratic lawmakers to know they care about the Second Amendment in Central Virginia. “Hopefully, he will see there’s going to be a lot of people that’s going to be voting in the next election,” said Lynchburg resident Mike Ferguson.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Southwest Virginia became the site of a sizable Second Amendment rally on Sunday, one day before tens of thousands of gun rights supporters are expected to rally at the State Capitol in Richmond. “Since we’re getting stepped on, we’re stepping back," said rally organizer Linda Meyer. "We want Richmond to know we’re alive and we’re well.”Hundreds of Second Amendment supporters, many of whom sported the Virginia Citizens Defense League’s “Guns Save Lives” sticker, gathered in the parking lot of the Rural King in Wytheville. The group united in support of their right to bear arms, while also encouraging the “Lobby Day” protesters who will travel to Richmond on Monday. “I hope today, and tomorrow in Richmond, we create a shout that is heard around the world.”“The First Amendment takes care of the Second Amendment," said Mike Hamm, who traveled from Galax to attend the rally in Wytheville.

FLOYD COUNTY, Va. – A sizable group of gun owners gathered in a Floyd County park Saturday afternoon, in defense of the Second Amendment. The group Concerned Citizens of Floyd organized a militia muster call, in search of men who could serve in a “well-regulated militia” if one is needed in Floyd County. “The main thing we’re here for is freedom to do what we want to do and be left alone," said George, a Floyd County resident who did not disclose his last name. “Governor Northam kicked a hornet’s nest,” said Steven, who came to the militia muster call with George and also refused to disclose his last name. Dimmel said the turnout shows Second Amendment supporters in Floyd County have become politically energized.

ROANOKE, Va. – Tensions are looming ahead of a massive pro-gun rally in Richmond on Monday, sparking fear in gun control and gun rights advocates alike. “I am afraid that something bad is going to happen,” said Charlie Nave, the chairman of the Roanoke City Republican Committee. “If you’re going, you’re associated.”Roanoke City Republican Chairman Charlie Nave disagreed. Northam’s ban on weapons on Capitol grounds has caused hysteria and gun rights supporters are respectful, law-abiding citizens. "And that’s not what I want.”“I’ve been encouraging everyone I know that’s going, to be on guard, to be careful, and to not be provoked," Nave said.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – SafeSide Tactical staff are busy preparing for Monday morning. According to SafeSide co-owner Mitchell Tyler, there will be six buses in all, with about 400 people heading for Richmond from their Roanoke and Lynchburg locations. “We’re just excited for our customers and our staff to be able to go and talk to our politicians. “The biggest threat that gun owners are to Richmond is at the ballot box in two years. SafeSide buses will leave the Hill City at 5 a.m. and in Roanoke, people will leave at 4:15 in the morning.

ROANOKE, Va. – President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing gun rights debate in Virginia. On Friday afternoon, the president tweeted the following:Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020. @realDonaldTrumpYour 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020.

RICHMOND, VA – A gun-rights group has filed an emergency appeal of a judge's ruling upholding the Virginia governor's ban on firearms at a pro-gun rally that's expected to draw thousands of gun activists to the state Capitol on Monday. The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America sought an injunction against the ban, but Judge Joi Taylor ruled Thursday that Gov. “Without relief from this court, petitioners and thousands of other rally participants will be irreparably denied their right to bear arms,” the groups' attorneys argue in their appeal. Because of that, she wrote, the gun-rights groups would not "suffer an irreparable harm" sufficient to justify the injunction. Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League — the gun-rights group sponsoring Monday's rally — called the judge's ruling “mind-boggling."

LYNCHBURG, Va. – After hours of debate, Lynchburg is now one of the few localities to not be a Second Amendment sanctuary city. In a public hearing Tuesday night that went into Wednesday morning, more than 120 people had time to talk to city council members about the issue. Council members voted 5 to 2 to not become a Second Amendment sanctuary. This is not going to happen again,” said Curt Diemer, an organizer of Lynchburg’s Second Amendment sanctuary group. 10 News reached out to some council members for comment about the meeting.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. spoke out against gun control measures supported by Virginia Democrats during an interview on a conservative radio show on Monday. During an appearance on Todd Starnes’ conservative podcast, ToddCast, Falwell said he’s never seen people more “energized” over any other issue in Virginia than in the current debate over gun rights. Starnes went on to say that these rights are “under attack" as Virginia Democrats advance with gun control measures in the General Assembly. “I’m pretty sure I’m gonna call for civil disobedience if the Democrats go through with this," Fallwell said. I mean, that’s how the Civil Rights Act got passed, was civil disobedience...

Northam said that he believes in the right to assemble and the right to bear arms but that there have been threats of violence made on the Virginia Capitol. And if that is your group or your intention on Monday, then you are not welcome," said Col. Gary Settle, the superintendent of Virginia State Police. Streets immediately surrounding Capitol grounds will be closed and there’s going to be additional fencing around the Capitol building. “It makes no sense to ban every other weapon and allow firearms, when intelligence shows a threat of armed militia groups storming our Capitol," Northam said. The public can sign up to get weather, traffic and emergency incident email or text alerts through the Virginia State Capitol Alert Network.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg City Council members voted against making the city a Second Amendment sanctuary after hours of input from local citizens. The vote was 5-2 against Lynchburg joining more than 100 cities and counties in Virginia that have approved Second Amendment sanctuary status to declare their support for gun rights. City leaders moved Tuesday night’s City Council meeting to E.C. Curt Diemer is the petition organizer who has pushed for Lynchburg to become a sanctuary city. Lynchburg’s representative, Wendell Walker, was also in the crowd Tuesday night, coming from Richmond to make his voice heard and remind Lynchburg citizens of one thing.

RICHMOND, Va. – Proposals for stricter gun laws quickly moved forward in the Virginia legislature on Monday, as the Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee sent four gun control bills to the Senate floor. 10 News political analyst Dr. Ed Lynch said the response from gun rights supporters may put pressure on some Democrats. First, the pressure on some Democrats may mean some gun control measures end up being more moderate. Lynch said some Democrats may be influenced by the Second Amendment sanctuaries that have pledged to resist new gun laws. Secondly, Lynch thinks many gun control laws would immediately go into litigation, with some reaching higher appeals courts where they will face judges who are President Donald Trump appointees, making the gun debate outcome uncertain in the long run.

ROANOKE, Va. – The NRA says turnout was more than they expected for a gun legislation roundtable in Roanoke on Friday night. They said the purpose of the meeting was to educate supporters on how they can voice their views on gun laws and proposed legislation. “We just want to make sure that we turn their engagement into visits to the Capitol and into context with their lawmakers. That’s really our focus to make sure their voices are heard,” said Katherine Mortensen, NRA spokesperson. Another meeting is scheduled for Saturday in Lexington.

RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Mark Herring issued an advisory opinion on Friday, stating that Second Amendment Sanctuary resolutions passed by Virginia counties and cities have, "no legal effect.”[Complete list of Second Amendment sanctuaries in Virginia and where it’s being discussed]Second Amendment sanctuaries declare themselves exempt from new gun safety laws that the General Assembly that may be passed next year. Herring said that localities and local constitutional officers “cannot nullify state laws” and must follow gun violence prevention measures passed by the General Assembly. “When the General Assembly passes new gun safety laws they will be enforced, and they will be followed. These resolutions have no legal force, and they’re just part of an effort by the gun lobby to stoke fear,” said Attorney General Herring. “What we’re talking about are the kind of commonsense gun safety laws that Virginians voted for just a few weeks ago, like universal background checks to make sure that dangerous people aren’t buying guns.

VINTON, Va. – The town of Vinton becomes the latest to declare itself a Second Amendment sanctuary. The move is seen as mostly symbolic, as Vinton is in Roanoke County, which voted for a similar resolution last month. Dozens of other localities in southwest Virginia have pledged to support the Second Amendment. Tuesday, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve its resolution, leading to cheers and a standing ovation from a crowd of hundreds. The list of counties, cities and towns joining this movement now stands at 90.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – Franklin County can now count itself among the cities and counties across the Commonwealth which have declared themselves as Second Amendment sanctuaries. It was a packed house with hundreds of residents in attendance as the Board of Supervisors discussed the issue. “I hope that our people in Richmond and Washington will understand this kind of opinion coming from this kind of a group," said E. Cline Brubaker, chairman of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors. “It just doesn’t seem like it’s going to sit well with people, like in Franklin County, because we’re rural people. We enjoy our guns for sport,” said Irene May, who lives in Franklin County.

Ralph Northam is weighing in on the more than 70 cities and counties across the commonwealth that have approved some type of Second Amendment sanctuary or support resolution. Northam says November’s elections are proof Virginians want stricter gun laws. Northam plans to re-introduce eight gun bills - including expanding background checks. But Northam says any laws will be constitutional. Local governments continue to pass resolutions about gun rights - including Wednesday night in Chesapeake and Fluvanna county.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Martinsville City Council passed a resolution related to the Second Amendment sanctuary movement on Tuesday night. The city attorney based the resolution of other localities’ resolutions and included a lot of the same boilerplate language. Martinsville City Council kept tight order during their meeting, unlike some other localities that have allowed a more ruckus atmosphere. Turner wanted that to change, adding “Martinsville supports the second amendment sanctuary movement" to the resolution. To see a full list of localities across Virginia that have adopted a resolution related to Second Amendment sanctuary status or discussed the issue, click here.

ROANOKE, Va. – On Monday, Bedford County was poised to become the latest Second Amendment sanctuary in response to proposed state gun laws. Because of the proposed gun laws and more than 40 localities choosing to take a stance against them, business is up at Safeside Tactical in Roanoke. Co-owner Mitchell Tyler said interest in conceal and carry classes has increased, as have sales of both guns and accessories. So, if retail sales are down on this one segment, we’ll see a natural progression; more people using the range, more people taking training classes," Tyler said. People in Salem were also expected to address the Second Amendment sanctuary issue Monday night during a meet and greet for the city manager.

CRAIG COUNTY, Va. – Craig County joins the growing list of areas becoming Second Amendment sanctuaries. According to the county’s Republican party, the Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 in favor of the resolution. Prior to Election Day, the idea of a Second Amendment sanctuary was unheard of. James Edmunds says he’s drafting a new bill that would allow sanctuaries to ignore any new state gun control laws. Edmunds is willing to re-introduce the bill if it fails.

HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. – A local state delegate is trying to help prevent Second Amendment sanctuaries from having to follow state gun laws. Delegate James Edmunds, who represents Halifax County, is bringing a new idea to the table, saying it’s a intra-state issue and localities should be able to ignore new gun laws if they want to. Four weeks ago, prior to this year’s election we had never heard of a second amendment sanctuary, but now it’s hard to look anywhere and not see something about it. Localities voting for second amendment sanctuaries are primarily rural communities, and as a now democratic controlled state government ponders new gun laws, Edmunds said that’s the rub. Delegate Edmunds plans to introduce a bill during the upcoming General Assembly session that would give Second Amendment sanctuaries immunity from any of the proposed gun laws that pass.

GILES COUNTY, Va. – Another local area has been declared a Second Amendment sanctuary. The Giles County Board of Supervisors approved it with a 5-0 vote Thursday night. Giles County joins Appomattox, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Patrick and Pittsylvania counties in the designation. Franklin and Pulaski counties are considering the measure.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A growing number of counties in Central and Southwest Virginia are labeling themselves as “Second Amendment sanctuaries” ahead of the new legislative session, but what affect will that have on gun laws? Appomattox, Carroll, Charlotte, Patrick, and Pittsylvania counties have already declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, which will oppose gun control measures; Franklin and Pulaski counties are considering making the same declaration. However, University of Virginia Professor Rich Schragger, who specializes in constitutional law, said some gun control measures are constitutional, which means the Second Amendment sanctuaries would likely not be able to block them. Mostly, declaring yourself a Second Amendment sanctuary is more of a symbolic statement.”Schragger said the wave of new Second Amendment sanctuaries also signifies more rural communities’ efforts to have their concerns heard at the State Capitol. "It’s similar to when urban communities have made statements in the other direction for gun control.

The New York City gun law regulates where licensed hand gun owners can take a locked and unloaded handgun. The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to overturn the law. In a twist, since the Supreme Court granted the case, the law was changed and lawyers for New York are now asking the justices to dismiss the challenge, canceling the December oral arguments. The "new state law is itself the product of an acknowledged City-orchestrated effort to frustrate this Court's review," Clement wrote. "The court said in 2008 individuals have a right to keep a handgun in the home for self-defense," Charles said.

(CNN) - Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas has made his position on assault weapons crystal clear. Facts First: A president could not issue a blanket confiscation of so-called assault weapons, but they could work with Congress to pass such a law. That's about 2% to 4% of all the estimated guns in the US, but it's unclear how many guns would ultimately fall under an assault weapons confiscation. In 1994, assault weapons were banned from being manufactured but the law did not call for the confiscation of those already in private ownership. That assault weapons ban expired in 2004 and was not renewed under the George W. Bush administration.