Proposal to Abolish ATF Introduced by Conservative Lawmakers

Reps. Lauren Boebert from Colorado and Eric Burlison from Missouri have introduced legislation with the intention of eliminating the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This one-page bill seeks to abolish the agency responsible for overseeing firearms regulation, federal gun crime prosecution, and other criminal activities involving explosives, arson, and illegal alcohol and tobacco products.

In their statements, Boebert and Burlison assert that the ATF's regulations infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of American citizens to own and carry firearms. Boebert expressed skepticism about the ATF's ability to support law-abiding gun owners, while Burlison criticized the agency as a representation of an overreaching government that threatens constitutional freedoms. He emphasized that if the ATF cannot fulfill its mandate within constitutional limits, it should not remain part of the government structure.

The proposed bill has been co-sponsored by seven other House Representatives, including those from Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois, Texas, and another from Arizona. Although the ATF has not yet commented on the bill, Burlison elaborated in a previous interview that he believes the responsibilities held by the ATF would be more appropriately managed at the state level. He accused the agency of overstepping its boundaries by involving local law enforcement to enforce laws not enacted by state legislative bodies. Additionally, Burlison indicated that he supports the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).