Lautenberg wants to use taxpayer money to investigate legitimate strategy on the part of the NRA, which is checking their every political move. The NRA is doing this in my interest because I'm a member and this is what I want them to do.
On the other hand, Lautenberg wants to use taxpayer money to do his bidding (what Senate hearing is necessary for something like this?), so he is also using my taxes for his political purpose. I'm paying for both, one means indirectly and the other because I wish to. And that is the difference here. I wouldn't be surprized if the NRA memberships by any "anti" moles weren't paid using taxpayer money. But I will leave it at that, since I have no proof. If they were then I think that would be a dishonorable thing to do.
Les