Central ND News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and his colleagues have introduced the ATF Accountability Act of 2023, aiming to address concerns regarding the lack of accountability and transparency within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms' (ATF) classification review process. The legislation includes provisions to establish an appeals process for gun manufacturers to challenge classification decisions that they believe harm businesses or violate the Second Amendment.

The current classification review process conducted by the ATF determines whether a firearm is regulated by the National Firearms Act, which significantly impacts the manufacturing, sale, and possession of various firearms and related items. However, this process has often been criticized for its lack of transparency, with manufacturers receiving decisions and justifications through private correspondence and limited options for recourse.

Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of fair administrative procedures for law-abiding gun owners, stating, "The Biden administration's use of crushing regulatory tactics, like the ATF's secretive classification process, has deprived citizens of their constitutional right to bear arms and created uncertainty for manufacturers." He added, "We need to ensure transparency within the ATF, promote timely access to classification decisions, and fix the absence of an appeal process for manufacturers facing classification errors."

The ATF Accountability Act of 2023 is receiving support from the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition and has gained the backing of the National Rifle Association, underscoring its significance within the firearms community.

Senator Cramer has been a staunch advocate for the constitutional right to bear arms. In November, he co-led an amicus brief with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to uphold the rights of all Americans, particularly veterans and disabled individuals who may require assistance in exercising their rights. Additionally, Senator Cramer previously issued a statement after voting for a Congressional Review Act resolution to prevent the ATF from reclassifying pistols with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles.

This is not the first time Senator Cramer has taken action regarding the ATF's actions. In March 2022, he joined his colleagues in demanding answers from the ATF regarding their efforts to prevent the creation and possession of suppressors. Furthermore, Senator Cramer cosponsored the ATF Accountability Act of 2021 in the 117th Congress.

The ATF Accountability Act of 2023 is led by U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) in the Senate, with additional cosponsors including U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), James Risch (R-ID), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

For the full text of the bill, click here.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cramer.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-sen-cramer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-address-lack-of-accountability-transparency-within-atfs-classification-review-process