Gaetz and Greene to Defund ATF Director

Reps. Gaetz and Greene Aim to Defund ATF

Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) are taking action to defund the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) using a little-known House rule.

In a letter dated June 26, the lawmakers expressed their concerns to House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-Texas), accusing the Biden administration of “weaponizing” the ATF against American citizens. They argue that the ATF has overstepped its authority and disregarded the rule of law.

Internal documents leaked in February revealed that the Biden administration’s “zero tolerance” policy had made it easier to revoke licenses of gun store owners. Gaetz and Greene highlighted that even minor errors could lead to license revocation, and criticized the ATF for imposing unrealistic standards on gun stores.

With the ATF’s track record of operating beyond its statutory authority, Gaetz and Greene plan to use the Holman Rule to defund the Office of the Director of the ATF in the next appropriations period.

Zero Tolerance

Erik Longnecker, deputy chief of ATF Public Affairs Division, downplayed the Biden administration’s policy in a previous statement. He stated that license revocations only occur in cases of “willful violations” where licensees intentionally disregard their legal obligations. Longnecker emphasized that the majority of licensees comply with federal laws and regulations.

However, during a field hearing in Shalimar, Florida, Gaetz and Greene criticized the policy and the ATF, referring to it as a “clown show.” They accused the administration of attempting to undermine Second Amendment rights by making firearm purchases more difficult. Local gun store owners and manufacturers testified at the hearing, sharing how they had been personally affected by the Biden administration’s policies.

Chris Smith, owner of Gulf Coast Gun and Outdoors, recounted how his business was recently inspected after posting pictures on social media.