Thirty Republican Senators are urging the ATF to rescind gun control regulations implemented during the Biden administration, citing Second Amendment concerns.
At a Glance
- 30 GOP Senators signed a letter demanding rollback of Biden-era gun control measures
- The move is influenced by a Trump-era executive order on Second Amendment rights
- Senators target specific ATF rules, including those on pistol braces and “ghost guns”
- National Shooting Sports Foundation supports the Senators’ initiative
- ATF’s “zero tolerance” policy for gun stores also under scrutiny
Republican Senators Challenge Biden’s Gun Control Legacy
In a move to protect Second Amendment rights, thirty Republican Senators have formally requested that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) roll back several gun control regulations implemented during President Biden’s administration. The initiative, spearheaded by Senator John Cornyn of Texas, represents a significant political pushback against what many conservatives view as regulatory overreach in the realm of firearm ownership and sales.
The Senators’ letter to the ATF is grounded in an Executive Order issued during the Trump administration, which called for a thorough assessment of potential infringements on the right to keep and bear arms. This action underscores the ongoing tension between different interpretations of the Second Amendment and the extent of federal authority in regulating firearms.
Other GOP Senators are going much farther, aiming to shutter the ATF entirely.
Specific Regulations Under Fire
The Republican Senators have identified several key ATF regulations for rescission. These include the “engaged in the business rule,” which expands background check requirements, the “pistol brace rule” affecting AR-style pistols, and the “ghost gun” rule targeting homemade firearms and gun parts kits. These regulations, implemented under the Biden administration, have been criticized by gun rights advocates as overstepping legislative boundaries and infringing on individual liberties.
“The rules specifically identified by the senators were designed to punish the firearm industry and usher in gun control outside of the legislative process. NSSF has protested these rules ever since they were announced and is heartened that the Trump administration and the Senate are acting quickly to protect Second Amendment rights and the lawful firearm industry,” said Lawrence Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Another point of contention is the ATF’s “zero tolerance” policy, which has led to the closure of gun stores over what some argue are minor clerical errors. This approach has been criticized as overly punitive and potentially detrimental to law-abiding business owners in the firearms industry.
Industry Support and Political Implications
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), a prominent trade association for the firearms industry, has voiced strong support for the Senators’ initiative. Lawrence Keane, a spokesperson for the NSSF, criticized the Biden-era rules as punitive to the firearm industry and an attempt to circumvent the legislative process in implementing gun control measures.
This coordinated effort by Republican Senators highlights the ongoing debate over gun rights and regulations in the United States. As the issue continues to be a polarizing topic in American politics, the outcome of this initiative could have significant implications for future gun control policies and the interpretation of Second Amendment rights.