Matt Gaetz Leads Charge To Abolish the ATF

(DailyVantage.com) – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently announced it finalized its rule on pistol braces, reclassifying firearms with the modification as short-barrel rifles (SBR). The new regulation, Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces,’ could have far-reaching consequences for legal gun owners who use the device. In response, one congressman moved to do away with the bureau entirely.

On Wednesday, January 18, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) introduced the Abolish the ATF Act of 2023. The congressman issued a press release explaining the bureau “must be stopped” because it’s consistently trying “to convert law-abiding citizens into felons.” He disputes Attorney General Merrick Garland’s claim the new rule would enhance public safety. In his estimation, it punishes veterans and disabled gun owners who need the braces to fire their weapons.

Gaetz introduces 'Abolish the ATF Act' after ruling against stabilizing braces https://t.co/JP7u51GONy

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 18, 2023

Gaetz is aware his proposal to abolish the ATF may not work, but he’s not about to let that stop him from trying. Speaking to Fox News Digital, he said if the measure fails, he’ll “try defunding” the agency. And if that doesn’t pan out, the lawmaker will set his sights on the career bureaucrats heading up the ATF for consistently exceeding their statutory and regulatory authority.

Gaetz is also adamant that the ATF should have to answer for its continued existence. He indicated he wouldn’t find it surprising to see them in front of the Judiciary Committee on which he now sits.

Under the new rule, those who own pistol braces converting weapons into short-barreled rifles must register them within 120 days of the law’s publication in the Federal Register. SBR owners must have a federal license for the firearm per the National Firearms Act. Failure to reclassify the guns could result in a felony conviction which could include up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.