House Republicans Push to Abolish ATF Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
Ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, House Republicans are pushing to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., is leading the effort and has secured several co-sponsors, including Reps. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., Mike Collins, R-Ga., Bob Onder, R-Mo., Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., Mary Miller, R-Ill., Keith Self, R-Texas, and Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.
Burlison argues that the ATF is an “unconstitutional agency” and that its mission and goals duplicate existing state and local regulations. He believes the federal government should not be involved in regulating firearms, which is best left to the states.
The ATF was formed as a bureau under the Treasury Department in 1972 and was transferred to the Department of Justice in 2003. It regulates firearm handling and storage, gun licenses, and other matters, as well as assists in law enforcement investigations.
However, opposers of the ATF, such as Burlison, argue that its regulations are unnecessary and that it is taking away from local law enforcement’s priorities to keep communities safe. ATF Director Steven Dettelbach warns that abolishing the agency would result in more unnecessary deaths.
The move comes after Vice President-elect JD Vance, who previously called for abolishing the ATF while running for Senate, may provide support for the bill. The ATF has faced public criticism for its handling of past incidents, including the Ruby Ridge and Waco, Texas, standoffs. It is unclear whether President-elect Trump, who has promised to fire Dettelbach on his first day in office, would abolish the agency altogether.