WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance Congressman Andrew Clyde’s (GA-09) Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval, H.J.Res. 144, by a vote of 14-9. The legislation would overturn the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) rule titled “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms.”
“I’m incredibly pleased that the House Judiciary Committee approved my measure to overturn the ATF’s disastrous rule,” said Clyde. “This lawless government overreach subjects law-abiding Americans to unconstitutional barriers — violating both the Second Amendment and Congress’ sole legislative authority. Ultimately, the goal of the Biden-Harris Administration’s universal background check rule is to create a nationwide firearms registry, which I’ve long warned will eventually lead to gun confiscation. It’s imperative that the House promptly passes my critical legislation to nullify the ATF’s rule in order to protect Americans’ Second Amendment liberties.”
“ATF’s ‘Engaged in the Business’ rule is the latest example of the Biden Administration ATF going after law-abiding Americans by making new laws without congressional authorization. The rule drastically expands the universe of Americans who would be classified as a ‘dealer’ under the federal law that requires some people to obtain a license to become a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Representative Clyde’s Congressional Review Act will nullify the rule and prevent regulatory overreach by ATF, ensuring that existing laws that govern firearm sales are not expanded without proper legislative authorization,” said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jordan.
On April 10th, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland signed the ATF’s final rule2022R-17F, “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms,” which redefines language pertaining to buying and selling guns. The rule requires private citizens to obtain a federal firearms license, conduct a background check, and complete gun registration paperwork to sell even a single firearm.
