Clyde, Andrew RSS Articles

Rep. Clyde Honors Winton Machine Company as Special Georgian of the Ninth

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) recognized Winton Machine of Suwanee, Georgia as a Special Georgian of the Ninth in celebration of the company’s selection as one of the five finalists advancing to the grand finale of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition.

The Winton Machine Company was founded by Lisa and George Winton in 1997. For nearly three decades, the company has designed and manufactured automated tube and coax fabrication machinery. Their impact stretches across numerous industries, such as aerospace, medical manufacturing, and defense. Winton’s American-made machines serve over 500 customers in the U.S. and across the globe, including China, Israel, Mexico, and Sweden.

During a meeting at his Washington, D.C. office, Congressman Clyde surprised Lisa and George with the award. After highlighting the company’s incredible success and achievements, Rep. Clyde presented the Wintons with a Special Georgian of the Ninth certificate.

“From its founders to its operators, the Winton Machine Company embodies Northeast Georgia’s grit, ingenuity, and resilience,” said Clyde. “This thriving, family-owned business is a driving force in the Made in America revival — fostering economic prosperity, creating skilled jobs, and strengthening national security. As a Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch finalist, Winton Machine and its hardworking employees are receiving well-deserved recognition for driving innovation and investing in the next generation of American manufacturing. I’m proud to celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment by awarding the Winton Machine Company as a Special Georgian of the Ninth, and I wish the Winton team continued success for decades to come.”

Background

In May, the SBA announced the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and small business innovation. The competition evaluated contestants on their ability to strengthen American competitiveness, demonstrate strong small business performance and innovation, create economic impact and quality jobs, and show sound business fundamentals and execution readiness.

The competition began with more than 1,100 businesses from across the country and ultimately selected the following five finalists to compete in Washington, D.C. on September 18th for a share of $1 million in prize funding:

Winton Machine — Suwanee, Georgia
Compotech, Inc. — Brewer, Maine
Plas-Tech Tooling — Garner, Iowa
Red River — Gillette, Wyoming
VetPowered LLC — San Diego, California

Throughout the year, Rep. Clyde recognizes Special Georgians of the Ninth to honor constituents, businesses, and organizations for making a difference in North Georgia.

Rep. Clyde Introduces MAGA Act to Safeguard U.S. Elections & Representation Prior to 2028 Election

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) led more than 40 House Republicans in introducing the Make Apportionment Great Again (MAGA) Act, legislation to require a reapportionment prior to the 2028 election and add a U.S. citizenship question to the 2030 census and beyond. The MAGA Act aims to ensure non-citizens no longer distort congressional representation and Electoral College vote distribution.

“U.S. elections and representation are for the sole participation and benefit of American citizens,” said Clyde. “While we wait for the Senate to finally take action on the SAVE America Act, we must also recognize that the ballot box is not the only way non-citizens can impact American elections. Counting all residents regardless of citizenship in the U.S. census allows non-citizens, including illegal aliens, to influence the makeup of congressional seats and the distribution of Electoral College votes.”

“Republicans have long warned that Democrats' intentional illegal invasion and sanctuary policies are rooted in a desire to boost blue states' power. Amid high stakes and slim margins, Congress must act before the 2028 elections to ensure only American citizens decide how congressional maps are drawn and who resides in the White House,” Clyde added.

Bill text is available HERE.

Read Fox Digital’s exclusive on the MAGA Act HERE.

Original co-sponsors of Rep. Clyde’s MAGA Act include (42): Representatives Andy Barr (KY-06), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Ben Cline (VA-06), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Randy Fine (FL-06), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Clay Fuller (GA-14), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Andy Harris (MD-01), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mary Miller (IL-15), Barry Moore (AL-01), Riley Moore (WV-02), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Scott Perry (PA-10), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Chip Roy (TX-21), Keith Self (TX-03), Jason Smith (MO-08), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Tony Wied (WI-08).

The Make Apportionment Great Again Act is supported by the Immigration Accountability Project and NumbersUSA.

Background

Current statute requires the U.S. Census Bureau to record the total population of each state for purposes of apportioning congressional seats. This means non-citizens, both legal and illegal, are included in the count that decides congressional apportionment. Given Electoral College votes are allocated based on states’ U.S. congressional delegation, two votes for U.S. Senators plus the number of U.S. House Representatives, non-citizens also impact the distribution of Electoral College votes.

For four years, the Biden-Harris Administration willingly let millions of illegal aliens enter and remain in the United States. Paired with Democrat-run sanctuary jurisdictions, blue states stand to benefit politically for having a large population of non-citizens, including illegal aliens. In 2021, a House Democrat openly admitted as much, claiming she needs more immigrants in her district “just for redistricting purposes.”

A 2024 report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) found the inclusion of all immigrants (legal and illegal) in the 2020 census shifted 17 House seats, with immigrants in Democrat-leaning states resulting in a net increase of 14 seats. The CIS report projects that by 2030, if legal and illegal immigration continue to rapidly increase, the population could redistribute 22 seats, 28 seats if their children are considered.

The Make Apportionment Great Again Act addresses this issue before the 2028 election, ensuring U.S. elections and representation are decided only by American citizens by:

Requiring a reapportionment prior to the 2028 election, in which existing data is used to exclude non-citizens from the apportionment base
Adding a U.S. citizenship question to the 2030 census and all future decennial censuses

Rep. Clyde Files Amicus Brief in Defense of Americans’ Second Amendment Freedoms

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09), in partnership with the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), filed a Supreme Court amicus brief in the case Viramontes v. Cook County (consolidated with Grant v. Higgins), a major Second Amendment case addressing the constitutionality of semi-automatic rifles. More than 60 House Republicans joined Rep. Clyde on the brief.

In Viramontes v. Cook County, the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether the Second Amendment protects the right to possess semi-automatic rifles such as AR-15s, after Cook County, Illinois and the State of Connecticut enacted bans on these firearms, which were upheld by the lower courts. The brief argues that the Supreme Court should overrule the lower courts and declare such bans unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

In the brief, the lawmakers argue:

“To hold that these rifles may be banned, not in spite of, but because they are effective in military service is to read the prefatory clause out of the Constitution, violate its plain text, and completely ignore this Court’s ruling in Heller. The Amendment protects, at minimum, arms that are in common use for lawful purposes and that bear a reasonable relationship to the citizen-militia tradition the clause celebrates. Military small arms that meet the common-use test, of which the AR-15 is a quintessential example, must therefore sit near the heart of the right, not outside it.”

“Much to gun-grabbing Democrats’ dismay, the Second Amendment is abundantly clear,” said Clyde. “‘Shall not be infringed’ is not a suggestion, regardless of the firearm in question. Semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s, are owned by millions of law-abiding Americans, as it is well within our constitutional rights to do so. As an unapologetic voice in the fight to protect and restore our Second Amendment liberties, I’m proud to lead this amicus effort, and I’m confident the Supreme Court will declare these bans for what they are: blatantly unconstitutional.”

The brief was joined by 62 House Republicans, including Representatives Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Brian Babin (TX-36), Jim Baird (IN-04), Nick Begich (AK-At-Large), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Ben Cline (VA-06), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Troy Downing (MT-02), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Julie Fedorchak (ND-At-Large), Randy Fine (FL-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Russell Fry (SC-07), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Brandon Gill (TX-26), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Michael Guest (MS-03), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Andy Harris (MD-01), Mark Harris (NC-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Brian Jack (GA-03), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Thomas Massie (KY-04), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Addison McDowell (NC-06), John McGuire (VA-05), Mary Miller (IL-15), Barry Moore (AL-01), Riley Moore (WV-02), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Bob Onder (MO-03), Scott Perry (PA-10), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), John Rose (TN-06), Chip Roy (TX-21), Michael Rulli (OH-06), John Rutherford (FL-05), Keith Self (TX-03), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Dave Taylor (OH-02), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).

View the full amicus brief HERE.

Read Breitbart’s exclusive on the brief HERE.

Rep. Clyde Leads GA GOP Delegation in Urging Attorney General Carr to Clarify Georgia Law Following Historic NFA Court Ruling

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) led seven of his Georgia Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr urging him to issue a legal opinion clarifying a discrepancy in Georgia law that could prevent law-abiding Georgians from fully exercising their recently restored Second Amendment rights following the landmark ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF (consolidated with Jensen v. ATF).

The lawmakers open by highlighting Attorney General Carr’s decision to have the State of Georgia join as a plaintiff in the case that helped deliver the most significant Second Amendment restoration in more than a century.

“We congratulate you on your win in having the State of Georgia join as a plaintiff in the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF case, in which the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled on August 5th, 2026 that the National Firearms Act (NFA) registration and transfer requirements are unconstitutional because it cannot survive the elimination of the underlying taxes. Congressional efforts to eliminate those taxes, combined with this court ruling, reflect the greatest restoration of Georgians’ Second Amendment rights in over 100 years.”

However, Rep. Clyde and his colleagues explain that Georgia’s current criminal code prevents Georgians from freely and fully exercising their recently restored Second Amendment liberties.

“Georgia’s criminal code generally prohibits possession of short-barreled shotguns, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and silencers. That prohibition does not apply, however, to a person ‘who is authorized to possess the same because he has registered the sawed-off shotgun, sawed-off rifle, machine gun, dangerous weapon, or silencer in accordance with the dictates of the National Firearms Act.’ Now that NFA registration is no longer required and, under the court’s ruling, may no longer lawfully be demanded of Georgians covered by the injunction, this provision no longer maps cleanly onto federal law. Read literally, it could be misunderstood to condition Georgia’s exemption on an act of federal registration that a covered person is no longer required, or even permitted, to complete. This ambiguity has deterred Georgians, who are in full compliance with all applicable federal law, from fully exercising their Second Amendment rights, out of a well-founded fear that doing so could place them in violation of Georgia’s criminal code.”

Therefore, Rep. Clyde and his colleagues urge Attorney General Carr to issue clear guidance on the matter to ensure Georgians can fully enjoy their Second Amendment freedoms as the Founders intended.

“Georgia gun owners and purchasers need guidance and clarity from your office to be able to fully celebrate this tremendous Second Amendment victory. We thank you again for your leadership in securing this outcome for the Peach State, and we look forward to working with you to ensure this historic restoration of Americans’ Second Amendment freedoms is properly applied to our fellow Georgians.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Cosigners include Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Collins (GA-10), Clay Fuller (GA-14), Brian Jack (GA-03), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), and Rich McCormick (GA-07).

Background

Due to Rep. Clyde’s hard-fought efforts, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a provision to zero out the $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms under the draconian NFA, mirroring parts of Clyde’s Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act and Constitutional Hearing Protection Act.

However, the burdensome transfer and registration requirements linked to the $0 tax remained — despite the fact that it was Congress’s clear intent to repeal NFA registration by eliminating NFA taxation.

Therefore, Rep. Clyde led Republican lawmakers in urging the DOJ to adopt this congressional intent in all litigation (letters to the-Attorney General Bondi available HERE and HERE). As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the Congressman has also fought to eliminate NFA registration for suppressors and short-barreled firearms through the annual appropriations process.

On August 5th, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas delivered a monumental win to plaintiffs in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF. The landmark ruling struck down NFA registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and any other weapons (AOWs), rightly ruling that these requirements exceed Congress’s constitutional authority after Congress eliminated the NFA’s transfer and making taxes on those arms.

Following this victorious court decision, Congressman Clyde led nearly 50 of his House and Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the DOJ to decline any appeal of the historic ruling, as well as to apply and set it nationwide through official rulemaking.

Rep. Clyde Accepting Applications for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) announced that U.S. Service Academy nomination applications for the Class of 2031 are now open. To be considered for a nomination, candidates must submit all required materials by October 23rd, 2026.

“One of the most rewarding responsibilities I have while serving the Ninth District in Congress is the opportunity to assist Northeast Georgians in their journey to military service,” said Clyde. “If nominated and appointed, these young men and women will receive a world-class education, rigorous training, and a commission as a U.S. military officer upon graduation. I strongly encourage qualified students to apply, and I look forward to nominating another incredible group of our nation’s future leaders to America’s prestigious service academies.”

Background

Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

The nomination process is competitive and seeks students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, strong character, physical fitness, and a commitment to service.

Please visit Congressman Clyde’s website for more information. The U.S. Service Academy nomination application is available HERE.

Rep. Clyde Applauds $93.3 Million Investment to Transform Rural Healthcare Access Across Georgia

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) applauded the Trump Administration’s announcement that a $93.3 million investment is being delivered to Georgia to help strengthen rural hospitals and improve health outcomes through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

This investment was made possible through Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which received Rep. Clyde’s vote and unanimous Democrat opposition, including from Georgia’s Democrat Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. The OBBBA delivered a historic $50 billion investment, known as the Rural Health Transformation Program, to help states modernize rural health.

“I’m deeply thankful for President Trump and his Administration’s implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s commitment to invest in and ultimately improve rural healthcare,” said Clyde. “From strengthening the workforce to expanding access to critical care, this investment will make a tremendous impact throughout the Peach State, including in the rural communities across the Ninth District. It’s incredible to see the Rural Health Transformation Program in action, delivering on our promise to make rural America healthy again.”

Background

Today’s announcement, which is just one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Georgia for Fiscal Year 2026, completes Georgia’s initial Year 1 award cycle.

Projects supported by this funding include:

Preparing rural hospitals for value-based care: Georgia is supporting 87 rural hospitals with pre-implementation funding to prepare for participation in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) AHEAD Model, helping providers build the capacity needed to transition toward more sustainable, accountable models of care.
Strengthening the rural healthcare workforce: Investments are expanding education and training opportunities for nurses, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, while supporting new approaches to recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural communities.
Expanding access and strengthening the continuum of care: Georgia is investing in telehealth access points, maternal and behavioral healthcare, newborn screening, transportation, and other services designed to better connect rural patients with care.
Modernizing rural healthcare through technology and innovation: Funding is supporting technology-enabled care and infrastructure, including rural hospital cybersecurity, telehealth capacity, surgical robotics, and other tools designed to strengthen rural healthcare delivery and workforce retention.

Additional information is available here: CMS | Trump Administration Announces $93.3 Million to Expand Telehealth Services, Advance Surgical Robotics and Transform Rural Healthcare Access Across Georgia

Rep. Clyde Honors Stephens County’s Julie Paysen as Special Georgian of the Ninth

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — This week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) recognized former Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce President Julie Paysen as a Special Georgian of the Ninth to honor her incredible impact on the local community.

On Monday, Congressman Clyde surprised Julie with the award during lunch at the X-Factor Grill in Toccoa. The working lunch featured Julie and her husband, Pastor Steve Paysen; Toccoa-Stephens Chamber of Commerce President Tessa Reavis; Stephens County Development Authority (SCDA) President & CEO Brittany Ivey; Stephens County Commissioner Tara Simmons; SCDA Board Member Cassandra Wilkins; SCDA Treasurer Rick Phillips; City of Toccoa Commissioner Terry Carter; Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski; Fieldale Farms CFO Eddie Elrod; and SCDA Assistant to President & CEO Sadie Hawkins.

After delivering remarks highlighting Julie’s economic achievements and civic involvement, Rep. Clyde presented her with a Special Georgian of the Ninth certificate.

“Whether fostering economic prosperity in Toccoa or spreading the Gospel with her husband, Julie’s passion to serve and ultimately strengthen the local community is deeply admirable,” said Clyde. I’m honored to award Julie as a Special Georgian of the Ninth, and I’m thankful for her dedication to improve the lives and futures of our fellow Northeast Georgians. I’m confident that the fruits of her labor will continue to grow and shine throughout Stephens County for decades to come.”

Julie Paysen served as the President of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce from 2014 to 2026. During her tenure, the Chamber achieved a prestigious 5-Star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — an impressive distinction held by only 129 local chambers nationwide. Julie herself was recognized as a Georgia Certified Chamber Executive by the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Additionally, as the official Film Liaison for Stephens County's Camera Ready Community initiative, Julie successfully facilitated multiple film, music video, and television productions — generating over $1.5 million dollars in revenue for local businesses.

While Julie retired as Chamber President earlier this summer, she remains active in the local community through board memberships and organizations. She now serves alongside her husband, Steve Paysen, dedicating her time to spreading the Gospel through his ministry.

Background

Throughout the year, Rep. Clyde recognizes Special Georgians of the Ninth to honor constituents, businesses, and organizations for making a difference in North Georgia.

Rep. Clyde Leads Coalition Urging DOJ to Adopt Historic NFA Court Ruling Nationwide

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) led nearly 50 of his House and Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to decline any appeal of last week’s historic ruling against National Firearms Act (NFA) registration for $0 NFA tax firearms, as well as to apply and set it nationwide through official rulemaking.

On August 5th, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas delivered a monumental win to plaintiffs in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF (consolidated with Jensen v. ATF). The landmark ruling struck down NFA registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and any other weapons (AOWs), rightly ruling that these requirements exceed Congress’s constitutional authority after Congress eliminated the NFA’s transfer and making taxes on those arms.

In response, Rep. Clyde and his colleagues urge the DOJ to not appeal the ruling, which marks the most significant victory for the Second Amendment since the NFA was enacted in 1934.

“We recognize the Department has a seven-day window under the court's order to seek relief at the appellate level, but we urge the Department not to appeal. An appeal would prolong regulatory uncertainty for law-abiding gun owners and businesses and would consume DOJ resources defending a position that this Congress and now a federal district court has said cannot stand. We ask that the Department decline to appeal, to seek rehearing, or to otherwise attempt to cabin or narrow this ruling.”

The lawmakers further urge the DOJ to immediately take steps to apply the court’s ruling nationwide and make its outcome permanent via rulemaking.

“Immediate application of the ruling nationwide is necessary to avoid the untenable alternative in the interim: a split enforcement regime in which the DOJ applies these requirements to one gun owner while declining to apply them to his neighbor, solely because one person happens to be a customer of Silencer Shop or a member of Gun Owners of America. Administering that kind of regime would require the DOJ and ATF to maintain two parallel tracks for identical conduct depending on the applicant's affiliations. That is not a workable or defensible way to administer a national regulatory program, even for the period before a rule can be finalized.”

“The DOJ should initiate rulemaking to formally rescind or amend the challenged regulations as they apply to untaxed firearms. Rulemaking is necessary to make this outcome permanent. We urge you to begin that rulemaking process without delay, so that the immediate, nationwide application of the court's ruling is followed as promptly as the APA allows by a durable regulatory fix that does not depend on the discretion of any particular administration.”

Congressman Clyde and his colleagues conclude with a powerful reminder of the DOJ's constitutional obligation to protect the American people’s Second Amendment liberties.

“When the DOJ defends unconstitutional gun regulations, then the ATF becomes weaponized against law-abiding Americans and the government betrays its founding purpose. Restoring the Second Amendment is not merely a policy matter — it is a fulfillment of this nation's oldest and most sacred promise to its people.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Cosigners include (46) Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Collins (GA-10), Ben Cline (VA-06), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Mark Harris (NC-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Mary Miller (IL-15), Riley Moore (WV-02), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Jimmy Patronis (FL-01), Scott Perry (PA-10), Chip Roy (TX-21), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Austin Scott (GA-08), Keith Self (TX-03), Victoria Spartz (IN-05), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Randy Weber (TX-14), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Roger Marshall (R-KS).

“Gun Owners of America worked with Congress and President Trump to eliminate the National Firearms Act tax on suppressors and short barrels—teeing up our constitutional challenge. The court just confirmed what everyone already knew: $0 taxes are invalid and the NFA is unconstitutional! GOA is grateful to Representative Clyde, Senator Daines, and all the Congressmen and Senators who are urging the Department of Justice to restore the Second Amendment by codifying GOA’s legal victory against the NFA into ATF regulations,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs, Gun Owners of America.

Background

Therefore, Rep. Clyde has led Republican lawmakers in urging the DOJ to adopt this congressional intent in all litigation (letters to then-Attorney General Bondi available HERE and HERE). As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the Congressman has also fought to eliminate NFA registration for suppressors and short-barreled firearms through the annual appropriations process.

Rep. Clyde Urges ATF to Limit Firearm Record Retention and Destroy Illegal Gun Registry

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) led nearly 30 of his House Republican colleagues in sending a letter Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada urging the agency to limit the retention of firearm records to 20 years and immediately destroy digitally recorded firearm registration records.

On May 6th, the ATF issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Firearm Records Retention Periods” (RIN 1140-AA95). This NPRM proposes that Form 4473s be retained for either 20 or 30 years by both federal firearms licensees (FFLs) and the ATF — meaning a firearm transaction record could be retained for up to 30 years by the selling FFL and an additional 30 years by the ATF after transfer to the National Tracing Center (NTC), for a potential maximum combined retention period of 60 years.

In response, the lawmakers urge ATF Director Cekada to revise the agency’s proposed rule and destroy any digitized firearm transaction records.

“In our view, the current practice of indefinite retention of firearm transaction records, and even the proposed retention period of up to 60 years, are excessive and risk infringing on the privacy of lawful gun owners. We therefore urge the ATF to revise this NPRM and instead promulgate a rule establishing a 20-year total retention policy, from the date of sale, for the physical, non-digitized firearm transaction records held by FFLs or the ATF and to provide for the immediate destruction of all such records older than 20 years. Furthermore, we urge the ATF to comply with existing law prohibitions on the recording and digitization of such firearm transaction records, and to immediately destroy any recordings of such records already in its possession.”

Rep. Clyde and his colleagues cite the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA) and a critical appropriations rider as explicit legal prohibitions on the ATF's current recordkeeping practices.

“Read together, these two prohibitions permanently preclude the ATF from recording or digitizing any firearms transaction records, regardless of the retention period otherwise applicable to those records. The ATF's digitized records exhibit every characteristic of a registry, containing personally identifying information, physical addresses, and detailed firearm characteristics. Therefore, the ATF's continued recording of such records remains out of compliance with current law.”

The lawmakers further argue that the ATF's proposed rule is vulnerable under the Administrative Procedure Act as “in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitations” and note the agency must address the statutory prohibitions raised or face reversal challenges.

“Both statutory prohibitions go directly to the question of whether the ATF has any authority to record or digitize these records at all – an issue the NPRM does not appear to have considered, let alone resolved. Agencies are obligated to respond meaningfully to significant comments raised during notice-and-comment rulemaking, and a final rule that fails to grapple with statutory prohibitions raised in the comment record is vulnerable to reversal on that basis alone. Should the ATF finalize this rule without directly addressing the FOPA and appropriations-rider prohibitions identified in this letter, the final rule would be independently vulnerable to challenge on the ground that the ATF failed to consider an important aspect of the problem before it.”

Additionally, Congressman Clyde and his colleagues sound the alarm on the staggering scale of the ATF's existing digitized records and the grave threat they pose to Americans’ Second Amendment liberties.

“Let us be clear, gun owners should be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights privately and free from federal government infringement. Yet, the ATF's recording and digitizing of out-of-business records jeopardizes Americans' Second Amendment freedoms by giving the government access to extensive records on who owns firearms, where they are located, and what types are owned. We are alarmed by recent reports indicating that the ATF may possess over one billion digitally recorded firearm registration records, and the agency has acknowledged digitizing more than 50 million records annually. Historically, we note that firearm registration has repeatedly served as a precursor to firearm confiscation. Expanding firearm registration poses a serious threat to law-abiding Americans free exercise of their Second Amendment rights going forward.”

In closing, the lawmakers highlight the agency’s positive direction under Director Cekada’s leadership, yet note the need for additional changes to the ATF’s recordkeeping to protect and restore Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

“We remain encouraged by the direction the ATF has taken under your leadership. However, the changes proposed in this NPRM perpetuate an illegal gun registry scheme that jeopardizes the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. We urge you to adjust course and adopt the suggestions outlined herein, in the interest of advancing and protecting the Second Amendment liberties of all Americans.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Cosigners include (28) Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Ben Cline (VA-06), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Mike Collins (GA-10), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Andy Harris (MD-01), Mark Harris (NC-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Brian Jack (GA-03), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mary Miller (IL-15), Riley Moore (WV-02), Andy Ogles (TN-05), John Rose (TN-06), Chip Roy (TX-21), Austin Scott (GA-08), Keith Self (TX-03), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).

Rep. Clyde Announces Launch of 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) invited middle and high school students in Georgia’s Ninth District to participate in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide competition that encourages young Americans to showcase their creativity and coding skills by designing original apps. The submission portal is now open, and students can register and submit their apps through October 26th, 2026.

“The Congressional App Challenge is an excellent opportunity for young Georgians to demonstrate their creativity, ingenuity, and technical skills on a national stage,” said Clyde. “I encourage middle and high school students throughout the Ninth District to participate in this year’s competition, and I look forward to seeing their innovative submissions.”

Last year’s competition featured six talented student submissions from across the Ninth District. First Place was awarded to Krish Tripathy’s “Pulmo Lens,” a deep learning-based web application that helps health care professionals detect pneumonia from chest X-rays faster and more accurately.

Rep. Clyde Congratulates the Ninth District’s 2025

Congressional App Challenge First Place Winner Krish Tripathy

Background

First launched in 2014, the Congressional App Challenge is the official computer science competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. The competition encourages students to create and submit their own app for the opportunity to receive national recognition.

Students may participate as individuals or in teams of up to four. Congressional App Challenge winners may be eligible to have their app featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol and put on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website. Additionally, winners will receive an invitation to the #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill.

Rules and guidelines are available HERE. For more information, please visit Rep. Clyde’s website and the Congressional App Challenge’s website.