Reps. Jordan, Massie Ask ATF Director to Testify Before House Judiciary Committee

Representatives Jim Jordan (Republican from Ohio) and Thomas Massie, (Republican from Kentucky) have asked that employees and the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, (ATF), testify about the firearms policies of the agency.

On March 6, letter Steven Dettelbach was the ATF Director. The congressmen asked Dettelbach for testimony at a hearing at 10 a.m. on April 26. They noted that Dettelbach had previously testified to their concerns. “additional questions” His agency’s efforts in supporting “regulate firearms through the rulemaking process.”

“The ATF’s lack of transparency comes after the agency issued a final rule banning stabilizing pistol braces, and as the agency continues to shut down lawful businesses through the ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for federal firearms dealers (FFLs),” These were the words of legislators.

The rule in question, which took effect on Jan. 31, classifies pistols equipped with stabilizing braces—also known as pistol braces—as “short-barreled rifles,” They are now subject to federal regulation.

ATF was challenged by Republican lawmakers in a March 6th letter. The Supreme Court’s 2022 directives were also mentioned. ruling West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency. “clear congressional authorization’ for the authority it claims.”

“This ruling raises serious doubts about ATF’s ability to regulate pistol braces absent a clear mandate from Congress,” They were not surprised.

They said that the hearing would give the Judiciary Committee an opportunity to speak directly to Dettelbach regarding the reasons for ATF’s implementation. “controversial policies.”

The congressmen also requested testimony from other ATF personnel, including chief of staff Daniel Board and acting assistant director for public and government affairs Justin O’Connell and deputy director Megan Bennett.

The Epoch Times received a March 7 statement from Erik Longnecker (ATF deputy chief of Public Affairs). “ATF received the letter in question today. Just a little over a week ago, ATF provided Chairman Jordan with detailed responses to questions he asked about rule-making along with more than 81,000 pages of documents responsive to his request.

“We are looking forward to productive and cooperative discussions with Congress about ATF’s mission of protecting the public against violent crime.

These lawmakers are requesting the legislation’s assistance after a Jan. 4th meeting. lawsuit A coalition of 24 states challenging the new regulation.

Holding that the rule marks a reversal of longstanding ATF policy and violates the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act, the states requested that the court declare the rule unlawful and enjoin ATF from enforcing it.

“Let’s call this what it is: an effort to undermine Americans’ Second Amendment rights,” said West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who is leading the coalition.

“This is an egregious final rule turning millions of common firearms accessories into ‘short barreled rifles.’ This is a completely nonsensical regulation.

“This is part of the continued attack by the Biden administration against lawful gun owners,” Morrisey added.