Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has joined forces with Senator Mike Braun to introduce the ATF Accountability Act. The purpose of this legislation is to bring transparency to the rulings made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and establish a formal appeals process.

Senator Hoeven emphasized the importance of the legislation in protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans and providing a check on the ATF's classification process. He stated, "Our legislation would better protect the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans from federal overreach and provide an important check on the ATF's classification process."

Senator Braun echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency within the ATF. 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 legislation has garnered support from several other senators, including John Barrasso, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, Steve Daines, Josh Hawley, Cindy Hyde-Smith, James Lankford, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, Markwayne Mullin, James Risch, and Rick Scott.

This bipartisan effort aims to address the concerns of gun owners and manufacturers who have felt left in the dark by the ATF's rule changes. The legislation seeks to ensure that individuals exercising their Second Amendment rights have access to clear and timely information regarding the classification status of firearms.

By establishing a formal appeals process, the ATF Accountability Act will provide a mechanism for individuals to challenge rulings that they believe to be unfair or inconsistent. This will further enhance transparency and accountability within the ATF's classification process.

The full text of the legislation can be found on the official government website. With the introduction of the ATF Accountability Act, Senator Hoeven, Senator Braun, and their cosponsors are taking a proactive step towards safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans and ensuring that the ATF operates with transparency and accountability.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.hoeven.senate.gov/news/news-releases/hoeven-joins-introduction-of-atf-accountability-act