East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Mike Braun have introduced the ATF Accountability Act, a bill aimed at providing transparency to gun owners and manufacturers regarding the rules set by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The bill addresses the secretive classification review process conducted by the ATF, which determines whether a particular firearm is regulated by the National Firearms Act and currently refuses to release final public rules regarding classification. This lack of transparency has created significant uncertainty for both gun owners and firearm manufacturers.

Senator Crapo emphasized the importance of increasing transparency and establishing an appeals process for ATF rulings, stating, "Increasing transparent review and an appeals process for rulings and determinations made by the ATF would ensure that firearms manufacturers and lawful gun owners are not subject to unchecked bureaucratic rulings. Burdening law-abiding citizens of this country with additional gun restrictions is not the answer to safeguarding the public."

Senator Risch echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the ATF's ability to designate firearms behind closed doors and the challenges it poses for gun owners and manufacturers. He stated, "The ATF's secretive classification process puts law-abiding gun owners and firearms manufacturers in a difficult and sometimes impossible situation. The ATF Accountability Act will stop the agency's secretive classification process, create accountability, and empower gun owners and manufacturers to appeal rulings."

Senator Braun emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the ATF's operations, particularly in regard to American gun owners and manufacturers. He stated, "American gun owners and manufacturers have been left in the dark for far too long with closed-door rule changes by the ATF. Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights shouldn't be the last to know the classification status of firearms, or what licenses or tax stamps they need to avoid running afoul of the law. The ATF needs accountability and transparency, which this bill accomplishes."

The ATF Accountability Act includes provisions that create an appeals process following a ruling by the ATF, with specific regular timeframes. Gun manufacturers will be permitted to appeal the legal status or classification of any product by filing with the Director of Industry Operations with jurisdiction. The appeal will then be directed to an administrative law judge.

In addition to Senators Crapo, Risch, and Braun, several other senators have cosponsored the legislation. These include Senators John Barrasso, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Josh Hawley, John Hoeven, Cindy Hyde-Smith, James Lankford, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Markwayne Mullin, and Rick Scott.

By introducing the ATF Accountability Act, these senators aim to bring much-needed transparency and certainty to gun owners and manufacturers across America. The bill's provisions for an appeals process and the elimination of the secretive classification process will ensure that lawful gun owners are not subject to arbitrary rulings and will empower manufacturers to challenge decisions that may impact their products.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/crapo-risch-braun-introduce-bill-to-hold_atf-accountable-give-certainty-to-gun-owners-and-manufacturers