Thumpy, ever the sleuth, did some digging around on CA SB 798, then by coincidence, was able to dig US Senate Bill S.2462 introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), in 2009 seeking a suspension on import duties for airsoft electric guns. We do not know why this bill was just discovered now, but it's better than not knowing at all.

The actual proponent of the Bill is Soft Air USA, Inc., which operates from the Senator's home state. As we all know Soft Air USA Inc. is owned by Cybergun, yes the French company. Whilst it's not really unusual for companies to seek some break from taxes, such as looking for loopholes in tax code, this one seeked a temporary suspension of import duties until 31 December 2011 via lobbying through the US Congress.

Crosman Corporation objected to the bill on the grounds that it would discourage the establishment of the airsoft manufacturing industry in the US.

Read the full story at Thumpy's 3-D House of Airsoft.