Congressman Crenshaw introduces Bipartisan Bill to protect firearm access, jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (DTX) today introduced the ATF Accountability Act, which will create an appeals process for the firearms industry, so they are not subject to unchecked bureaucratic rulings that impact American jobs and attempt to restrict access to firearms.

“Late last year we saw the ATF attempt to make a rule that would have cost the industry more than $1.25 billion. The fact an unelected bureaucrat could make a rule hurting the American economy and American jobs to that extent with no appeals process cannot continue.” said Crenshaw. “This bill will bring ATF in line with most other federal regulatory agencies and create an appeals process so industry has more options to challenge rulings other than suing the federal government – which many businesses simply cannot do. This bill will help ensure that the ATF cannot unilaterally impose rulings that impede on Second Amendment liberties and hurt jobs within the firearms industry. ”

“It is critical that we implement smart federal regulatory procedures for the firearm industry to promote economic and job growth,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “This bipartisan legislation will allow licensees to obtain compliance through a more transparent process within the ATF, alleviating some regulatory bureaucracy. I am committed to implementing common-sense laws that create greater fairness and clarity for the industry.”

Background

Currently, industry’s only recourse to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rules is to sue the government, which many manufacturers cannot do, as it puts their limited resources up against the full force of the federal government. This bipartisan bill will allow needed recourse through appealing through Regional Directors of Industry Operations and Administrative Law Judges.