Central ND News

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recently announced its final "Engaged in the Business" rule. This rule reinterprets what constitutes a firearms dealer under federal law. Critics argue that the rule's implementation would impose burdensome costs and infringe upon the Second Amendment freedoms of lawful gun-owning Americans and firearms dealers.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), cosponsored a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval on Thursday to nullify this rule from the Biden administration. The resolution aims to maintain the traditional definition of a firearms dealer, protect Second Amendment rights, and emphasize lawful gun ownership without overreaching government regulations.

"The Biden administration’s attempt to chip away at our Second Amendment liberties is unacceptable and illegal," said Cramer. "This costly, complex rule stifles lawful gun ownership and legal firearm sales by categorizing occasional sellers the same as professional dealers."

Cornyn echoed these sentiments: "This rule is proof that the Biden administration is a dishonest broker... We will fight this lawless rule tooth and nail to ensure the God-given right to keep and bear arms is preserved."

Tillis added his voice to the criticism: “It is outrageous that the Biden Administration decided to take a good faith effort to curb the mental health crisis across our country and turn it into an unconstitutional attempt to restrict firearms from law-abiding American citizens.”

In addition to Senators Cramer, Cornyn, and Tillis, cosponsors of the resolution include Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) among others.