Friday Afternoon Grab Bag: McClintock’s High Honor, 2A Victory in DC, Capo Unified Stands Tall

U.S. Rep. McClintock: Economic Freedom Champion

Congressman Tom McClintock was presented with the Club for Growth's highest honor, the Defender of Economic Freedom Award. The Club is a great organization dedicated to free market economic policy. However, their political ally is also highly active and making an enormous impact. Congratulations to my friend Tom McClintock. Well deserved!

NRCC Airs Ad Hitting Dave Min For Supporting Massive Tax Hike

"Dave Min voted for the largest tax increase in generations while giving taxpayer-funded freebies to illegal immigrants. The NRCC will make sure voters won't forget how Dave Min betrayed working families across California." — NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez

Significant Win for Gun Rights in Big Beautiful Bill

The U.S. House's passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, yesterday is a historic victory for Second Amendment supporters. Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, which is included in the bill, removes suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, thereby eliminating the $200 tax, the registration requirement, and the lengthy ATF approval process. This reform is a win for gun owners, as suppressors enhance the shooting use of guns while protecting constitutional rights.

Suppressors mute gunfire to safer levels, protecting shooters' hearing without silencing the firearm, contrary to the Hollywood portrayal. They're a must for hunters and target shooters, as they reduce noise pollution and hearing loss —a public health problem affecting millions. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms and suppressors, as safety-enhancing devices are openly protected. The NFA's antiquated prohibitions, based on 1930s paranoia, have hindered law-abiding citizens.

This deregulation places suppressors in the same accessibility as ordinary firearms, allowing responsible gun owners to choose safety and comfort. I commend the House for its efforts to promote Second Amendment freedoms and hope this provision remains in the final bill after the U.S. Senate passes its version and any differences are resolved.

California's extreme left legislature, which would prohibit all firearms if left to their own devices, has a state suppressor ban in place, keeping residents from enjoying the benefits. Even so, federal advances give cause for optimism. This win courageously protects the right to safe and responsible gun ownership, paving the way for further reforms.

Biology Over Ideology Prevails in South Orange County

By a 4-2-1 vote on Wednesday, the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) board approved a resolution supporting equality in girls' sports and opposing the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports, which serves as a beacon for protecting female athletes. As the largest school district in Orange County, CUSD was at the forefront in taking a bold stance, becoming the first in the region to do so. The resolution, "Supporting Title IX and Fairness in Girls' Interscholastic Sports," asserts that biological differences between male and female athletes create innate competitive advantages, maintaining the fairness, safety, and opportunities provided by Title IX.

I applaud the four yes-voting trustees—Lisa Davis, Amy McCart, Darlene York, and Krista Castellanos—for their moral clarity and prudence. In a Substack column, Six Reasons Biological Males Should Not Compete in Female Sports, I explained many reasons why the position of these trustees is right on the mark. Governor Newsom, who has a long record of backing biological men playing in women’s sports, has hinted at the problem of fairness, as witnessed on his podcast with Charlie Kirk. Of course, this is characteristic of Newsom’s words not aligning with his actions. Although he discussed it on his podcast, he refused to support some current bills aimed at addressing the issue.

The resolution does not alter district policy but sends a powerful statement to the public, and it requires staff to send it to state authorities to affirm CUSD's commitment to female athletes. This forward-thinking action comes on the heels of President Trump's February executive order against transgender athletes in women's sports. This resolution boldly advocates for girls' right to fair and equal competition by prioritizing biology over ideology.