Central ND News

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) have raised concerns over the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security's decision to pause the issuance of new export licenses for certain firearms, components, and ammunition. The senators expressed their worries in a letter to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security of the United States, highlighting the negative impact of the pause on American businesses.

"Over these past 90 days, however, our national security has not improved. In fact, it has rapidly deteriorated," the senators wrote, emphasizing the lack of evidence that the pause has enhanced national security. They also pointed out the financial implications, stating, "According to industry experts, the 90-day pause implemented by the Commerce Department is likely to cost American businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue."

The senators questioned the Commerce Department's motives, especially in light of recent changes in export control policies. They criticized the lack of communication with affected businesses and expressed concerns over leaked documents indicating plans to impose new regulations without a public comment period, potentially harming small and medium-sized firearm manufacturing businesses.

In their letter, the senators urged the Commerce Department to reconsider its actions and prioritize economic growth and opportunity for all communities. They called for the lifting of the pause on issuing new export licenses and cautioned against imposing regulations that could negatively impact businesses across the United States.

The senators previously raised similar concerns in a letter to the Secretary of Commerce, highlighting the potential annual cost of $238 million to the firearm and ammunition industry if the pause on export licenses were to become permanent.