Senators Push Back Against Biden’s Gun Policies, Press ATF to Retract

Gun and bullets on Second Amendment document.

In a bold move, thirty Republican Senators challenge Biden’s gun control policies, urging the ATF to rescind regulations they deem unconstitutional.

Key Takeaways

30 Republican Senators signed a letter urging the ATF to rescind Biden-era gun control regulations.
The letter cites President Trump’s executive order on assessing infringements on Second Amendment rights.
Specific targets include the “engaged in the business rule,” “pistol brace rule,” and “ghost gun” rule.
Senators also call for halting the ATF’s “zero tolerance” policy on gun stores.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation supports the Senators’ stance.

Republican Senators Take Action Against Biden’s Gun Regulations

In a significant political move, thirty Republican Senators have banded together to challenge the Biden administration’s gun control policies. The group has penned a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), urging the agency to rescind several regulations implemented during President Biden’s tenure. This action stems from concerns that these policies infringe upon Americans’ Second Amendment rights and overstep regulatory boundaries.

The senators’ letter is notably influenced by an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, which called for an assessment of potential infringements on the right to keep and bear arms. This directive has now become a rallying point for Republicans seeking to roll back what they perceive as regulatory overreach in the realm of gun control.

Specific Regulations Under Fire

The Republican Senators have identified several specific ATF rules for rescission. These include the “engaged in the business rule,” which expands background check requirements, the “pistol brace rule” affecting AR-pistols, and the “ghost gun” rule regulating gun parts kits. These regulations, implemented under the Biden administration, have been a source of contention among gun rights advocates who argue they exceed the ATF’s authority and circumvent proper legislative processes.

“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.” – Lawrence Keane

Additionally, the Senators are calling for an end to the ATF’s “zero tolerance” policy. This policy has been criticized for leading to the closure of gun stores over minor clerical errors, which the Senators argue is an unnecessary and harmful approach to regulation that disproportionately affects law-abiding businesses and gun owners.

Support from Gun Rights Advocates

The Senators’ initiative has garnered support from prominent figures in the gun rights community. Lawrence Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation has voiced strong approval for the letter, characterizing the targeted rules as punitive measures against the firearm industry. This backing from industry leaders underscores the significance of the Senators’ action in the ongoing debate over gun rights and regulation in America.

“A coalition of Republican senators led by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Thursday, urging the agency to rescind several Biden-era gun regulations that they argue infringe on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.” – Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)

The collective effort of these thirty Republican Senators represents a significant challenge to the Biden administration’s approach to gun control. As the debate continues, the outcome of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for gun rights, regulatory practices, and the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress in shaping firearm policies.