SW Georgia News

Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09), along with 86 original cosponsors, has introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval aimed at overturning the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) rule titled “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms.” The companion resolution in the Senate is being led by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The ATF’s final rule 2022R-17F was signed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on April 10th. This rule redefines language related to buying and selling guns, requiring private citizens to obtain a federal firearms license, conduct a background check, and complete gun registration paperwork even for the sale of a single firearm.

Congressman Clyde stated that this rule represents President Biden's latest effort to institute universal background checks and advance what he referred to as "the Left’s radical gun control agenda." He added that private citizens should not be forced to comply with unconstitutional hurdles set by unelected bureaucrats in order to engage in lawful firearms transactions.

Sen. Cornyn criticized the Biden administration for favoring its liberal base over the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. He pledged to fight against this rule which he believes distorts congressional intent regarding mental health and school safety laws.

Sen. Tillis expressed his outrage over what he sees as an unconstitutional attempt by the Biden Administration to restrict firearms from law-abiding American citizens under the guise of addressing the mental health crisis across the country.

Supporting organizations include Gun Owners of America (GOA), Heritage Action, the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). These organizations have expressed their strong support for Rep. Clyde's efforts to block this new ATF rule.