The National Rifle Association (NRA) has vociferously criticized a new proposal by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which the NRA argues could unjustly criminalize Americans partaking in firearm transactions.
This rule, they claim, might confuse those who legally buy and sell guns.
Kozuch slams ATF’s proposed rule as threat to Second Amendment Rights
Randy Kozuch, the NRA-ILA Executive Director, explained to Fox News Digital, “The Biden ATF’s proposed rule, ATF2022R-17, is just another attempt to demolish our Second Amendment rights, with the potential to unjustly criminalize everyday Americans for engaging in lawful firearm transactions.”
Kozuch’s comments were in response to the ATF’s proposed rule ATF2022R-17, titled “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms.”
This amendment aims to redefine the term “dealer” and is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, enacted by President Biden in 2022.
Read More: Heated Debate Between DeSantis and Newsom on Key Political Issues
ATF rule expansion may complicate gun sale regulations
It would broaden the definition of a dealer to include those selling firearms and showing the ability to sell more.
Additionally, it incorporates the Act’s definition of profit from gun sales, extending beyond cash to include personal property or services.
The NRA is concerned that this rule could blur lines for gun owners regarding the necessity of a federal firearms license for certain transactions.
NRA criticizes Biden administration’s approach to crime, gun laws
Kozuch emphasized, “If the Biden administration were truly committed to combating crime, they would focus on enforcing existing laws and reform their soft-on-crime policies, targeting actual criminals instead of law-abiding American gun owners.”
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was hailed as a significant gun legislation achievement, was signed into law by Biden in June 2022.
It encourages states to implement red flag laws and broadens background checks for individuals aged 18 to 21.
NRA joins over 330,000 in commenting on ATF’s proposed firearm rule
The ATF introduced this proposal in August, and it was open for public comment until December 7.
The NRA, among over 330,000 respondents, voiced their concerns, particularly highlighting the potential confusion for collectors and competitive shooters who frequently engage in buying and selling firearms.
The NRA’s public comment stressed that its members buy and sell firearms for lawful purposes like collecting or gaining a competitive edge in shooting sports.
Also Read: Graham labels Austin ‘naive’ on Israeli-Hamas conflict, says ‘I’ve lost all confidence in this guy’
26 states join Montana AG in condemning ATF rule as unconstitutional
They argue that ATF2022R-17 could create confusion about transactions that don’t require a Federal Firearms License (FFL).
Adding to the NRA’s criticism, Republican Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led 26 attorneys general in a letter to the ATF, denouncing the rule as a “shocking and unconstitutional attack” on the Second Amendment.
Knudsen’s office stated, “The proposed rule is unconstitutional, violating the Second Amendment by making any individual who sells a firearm without a federal license liable to civil, administrative, or even criminal penalties.”
Coalition of 26 states challenges ATF rule over family gun sales
The letter further argues against the rule’s implications for family firearm transactions, warning that even a minimal profit could expose sellers to legal liabilities, which they describe as an absurdity that could harm innocent people and deter lawful behavior.
The NRA expressed appreciation for the actions of Knudsen and the coalition of attorneys general. Kozuch remarked, “NRA members appreciate Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the coalition of 26 attorneys general, who, unlike Joe Biden, are truly honoring their oath of office by actively fighting against this rule.”
“The NRA is firmly committed to fighting this ill-advised rule at every turn, safeguarding our constitutional rights from such blatant federal intrusion.”
Read Next: Minneapolis teachers union reverses resolution on Israel-Hamas war, say ‘we regret this’
