New Bill Challenges ATF’s Future in Fight for Gun Rights

United States Capitol building with surrounding trees.

Representatives Lauren Boebert and Eric Burlison introduce a controversial bill aimed at dissolving the ATF, invoking strong statements over government overreach.

At a Glance

  • Lawmaker Lauren Boebert introduces a bill to abolish the ATF with backing from Eric Burlison.
  • The bill, aimed at defending Second Amendment rights, is part of an ongoing controversy.
  • ATF faces critique for overreach, particularly regarding firearm regulations.
  • The bill’s future in Congress appears uncertain.

The Legislative Push

Representatives Lauren Boebert and Eric Burlison have introduced the “Abolish the ATF” bill in an attempt to dismantle the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. As staunch defenders of the Second Amendment, Boebert and Burlison charge the ATF with governmental overreach, claiming it poses a threat to citizens’ constitutional rights. Boebert, a strong advocate for gun rights, historically demonstrated her commitment by owning a restaurant where staff openly carried firearms. Burlison emphasizes the ATF’s historical blunders such as Operation Fast and Furious.

The bill, numbered HR 129, is still in its infancy with the House Judiciary Committee handling its early stages. Despite a low chance of passing, estimated at two percent by Govtrack.us, the bill signifies a significant political statement by endorsing Republican representatives. It has linked supporters including Reps. Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs, showcasing united GOP resistance against perceived federal overreach.

Criticisms of the ATF

The ATF has long been a target of criticism from conservative lawmakers, primarily for its regulatory reach. The agency’s policy on classifying pistols with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles has drawn particular ire, with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling the brace rule likely illegal. This adds fuel to debates around the agency’s authority and its intersection with Second Amendment rights. Missouri Representative Burlison states, “The ATF is a disaster. Every time they try to get involved, they mess things up. They’ve been violating the Second Amendment.”

“The ATF is a disaster. For decades, they’ve been a disaster agency, and they’ve been violating the Second Amendment. Every time they try to get involved, they mess things up. They have a long history of mistakes…This is an agency that just continues to violate citizens’ rights and Second Amendment rights, and I think that at the end of the day, this agency needs to be abolished.” – Missouri Representative Eric Burlison –

The ATF defends its role by highlighting its achievements in combatting violent crime despite the mounting calls for restructuring or abolition. Kristina Mastropasqua, an ATF spokesperson, asserts, “ATF provides enormous benefits to the American public through all of its efforts fighting violent crime every day.”

Future Prospects

Despite the Republican Party controlling both legislative chambers, the bill’s journey through Congress remains challenging. The narrow focus of the bill centers on pushing back federalism concerns, suggesting states manage firearm regulation autonomously. Burlison proposes similar measures to dissolve other federal agencies like the Department of Education and the EPA, aligning with conservative principles favoring state governance. The ATF’s ongoing battle within Congress continues to captivate discussions on individual freedoms and federal oversight.

“Under the Biden administration, the ATF has been weaponized against gun owners and Americans who wish to acquire firearms in numerous ways in recent years.” – Texas Representative Pat Fallon

The public debate over this proposed legislation reflects deeper concerns affecting national gun policy, personal liberty, and governmental power. As discourse evolves, lawmakers and citizens alike will closely monitor the path of HR 129 and its implications on the balance of state and federal authority.

Sources

1. Boebert, Burlison introduce bill to abolish the ATF

2. Lauren Boebert Introduces Bill to Abolish ATF

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