Clyde, Andrew RSS Articles

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.

Rep. Clyde Honors Pearl Harbor Survivor, WWII Veteran as Special Georgian of the Ninth

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Over the weekend, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) recognized World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Ken Schubring as a Special Georgian of the Ninth to honor his courageous service.

At 104 years old, Retired U.S. Army Captain Ken Schubring is one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. He enlisted at just 17 years old, serving in combat from the first day of World War II to the very last.

On Saturday, Congressman Clyde attended Habersham County’s America 250 Celebration in Clarkesville. During the patriotic event, Rep. Clyde delivered remarks highlighting Captain Schubring’s heroism and extraordinary service. Additionally, the Congressman presented Schubring with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor and a Special Georgian of the Ninth Certificate.

“It is because of the valiant souls of America’s Greatest Generation, including Captain Schubring, that we may live in freedom in the greatest country on Earth,” said Clyde. “I’m proud to honor this true hometown hero as a Special Georgian of the Ninth for making a profound impact across our nation and throughout the entire Free World. North Georgia will always remember his fearless commitment to carry the flame of liberty for future generations.”

Rep. Clyde Presents Capt. Schubring with American Flag Flown Over U.S. Capitol (Patrick Fargason/Now Georgia)

On July 4th, President Donald Trump honored a select group of veterans, including Schubring, during the Salute to America Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C. Following the President’s remarks hailing his military service, Captain Schubring saluted the American flag that went down with the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.

Watch the special moment below:

President Trump Honors WWII Veteran Ken Schubring on Stage During Salute to America Celebration (White House)

President Trump & the First Lady Greet Veterans on the National Mall (White House)

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 Launches Photo Gallery to Commemorate America 250

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) invited Georgians throughout the Ninth District to participate in “America 250: Through Our Eyes,” a community photo exhibit in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

“As we continue celebrating America 250 this year, I’m excited to invite my fellow Northeast Georgians to capture and share images depicting what our country and this major milestone means to them,” said Clyde. “I encourage folks to take part in this unique opportunity, and I look forward to seeing everyone’s patriotic photos.”

America 250: Through Our Eyes | How to Participate

The community photo exhibit aims to collect and display photos that capture what America means to Georgia’s Ninth District, whether it’s moments of community, service, tradition, or everyday life. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and photos may be taken on any device. Submissions are limited to three photos per constituent.

Please email photos and the information below to GA9Celebrates250@gmail.com:

Name

Hometown

Phone number and/or email

Photograph title

Brief description sharing the story behind the photo

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Ninth District Student on America 250 Design Challenge Wins

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) congratulated Eden Pethel, an 8th grader from Pendergrass, Georgia, on being selected as a winner of the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America's 250th, a nationwide competition organized by Second Lady Usha Vance in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Eden also designed the winning submission in the Georgia Department of Education’s America 250 license plate contest.

“Eden Pethel is proof that Northeast Georgia continues to boast some of the most talented and patriotic young Americans,” said Clyde. “Winning both a state and a nationwide competition for America 250 designs is a remarkable achievement, one that is a testament to Eden’s creativity, artistic skills, and love of country. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, there is no better reminder of the bright future ahead than the next generation of Americans expressing their patriotism through art. Congratulations, Eden — the entire Ninth District is incredibly proud of you!”

Rep. Clyde Views Eden’s Winning Bookmark & License Plate

Eden’s Winning Submission for the Bookmark Design Challenge:

Celebrating America’s 250th | Grade 6-8 Category

Eden’s Winning Submission for Georgia’s

USA Semiquincentennial/America 250 License Plate

Background

The Bookmark Design Challenge invited students in grades K-8 from across the nation to create hand-drawn bookmarks reflecting what America means to them, exploring themes such as “American history and traditions, symbols of unity and democracy, community, and hopes for the nation’s future.” Students submitted their bookmark designs in three categories by grade level: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.

The winning designs were announced by Second Lady Usha Vance and recognized at a special event at the Great American State Fair, which is currently taking place on the National Mall through July 10th.

Additionally, Georgia’s America 250 plate was developed to honor this historic national milestone. Middle school students were invited to create designs as part of a statewide civics education initiative undertaken in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. The program was supported by the Georgia Commission on Civics Education, the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement, the Georgia Historical Society, and other civic and historical organizations.

Rep. Clyde, Sen. Lee Introduce End EPA Abuse Act

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the End EPA Abuse Act, legislation to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from abusing its regulatory authority.

“Under the Biden Administration, the EPA increasingly treated the Clean Air Act as a blank check to push de facto electric vehicle mandates, jeopardize reliable energy sources, and impose costly regulations on American consumers and businesses,” said Clyde. “Unelected Washington bureaucrats should never have the power to dictate what kind of car Americans drive or how our country produces electricity. The End EPA Abuse Act puts Congress back in the driver's seat where it belongs, preventing any future Democrat Administration from abusing the EPA’s regulatory authority to advance the Left’s radical, anti-American energy agenda.”

“The EPA has overstepped its authority as far as possible to put America’s energy producers in a chokehold,” said Lee. “They’ve exploited any power they can grab to push Biden and Obama’s climate psychosis at the expense of our energy security. They make up and enforce regulations to suffocate America’s energy producers and devastate major sectors of our economy. The End EPA Abuse Act will clarify once and for all that policymaking belongs to Congress, whom the American people have elected – not to the leftwing bureaucracy.”

The End EPA Abuse Act is supported by the American Energy Institute, American Consumer Institute, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Frontiers of Freedom Institute, Eagle Forum, Less Government, the Heartland Institute, Center for a Free Economy, American Energy Alliance, Truth in Energy and Climate, the John Locke Foundation, Center for Energy and Conservation at Independent Women’s Voice, and Heritage Action.

“The EPA is supposed to be focused on environmental protection, not on trying to stretch the Clean Air Act to change the very nature of our economy. Yet this is exactly what has been happening in recent years. Not long ago, people would have been thought of as wacky if they claimed the EPA would try to use the Clean Air Act to kill off gas-powered cars or try and change how the country produces electricity. But this is exactly what the agency has been doing,” said CEI’s Center for Energy and Environment Director and Senior Fellow Daren Bakst.

“The End EPA Abuse Act establishes much-needed guardrails on the EPA. The bill is a means by which Congress would be reasserting its power while still allowing the EPA to do its job to protect the environment. The only thing the bill prohibits is the greatest abuses that common sense tells us Congress never authorized in the first place. Sen. Lee and Rep. Clyde should be commended for introducing this critical reform bill,” Bakst added.

The End EPA Abuse Act also received a letter of support from 20 state Attorneys General, led by West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey.

Read the bill text HERE.

Original co-sponsors of Rep. Clyde’s End EPA Abuse Act include (14): Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Randy Fine (FL-06), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Mary Miller (IL-15), Barry Moore (AL-01), Gary Palmer (Al-06), Scott Perry (PA-10), John Rose (TN-06), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).

Background

The End EPA Abuse Act amends Section 301 of the Clean Air Act to prevent regulatory overreach by:

Prohibiting regulations or waivers that could expand the EPA’s authority beyond congressional intent.
Blocking the EPA from restricting the sale or use of any vehicle or engine, including new internal combustion engine vehicles.
Preventing rules that require fuel-switching at power plants or force abandonment of coal or natural gas.
Stopping regulations that reduce grid reliability or jeopardize dependable energy supply.
Prohibiting mandates requiring unavailable, cost-prohibitive, or technically infeasible technologies, including those viable only with subsidies.

Rep. Clyde Welcomes Freedom 250 Truck to Georgia’s Ninth District

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement ahead of a Freedom Truck visiting the Ninth District this weekend at the Jefferson Freedom Festival.

“As we celebrate 250 years of America’s legacy of liberty, there is no better way to honor our founding than by bringing its story directly to the communities that embody its spirit,” said Clyde. “I encourage folks across the Ninth District to join me in Jefferson this weekend to experience the Freedom Truck and to reflect on the extraordinary nation our Founding Fathers built. Northeast Georgians have a long and storied tradition of patriotism, and this event is a perfect opportunity to celebrate that heritage.”

Freedom Truck Visits Georgia’s Ninth District

This weekend, one of Freedom 250’s Freedom Trucks will visit the Jefferson Freedom Festival. This marks the third and final Freedom Truck to stop by the Peach State.

Dates: June 27th and June 28th

Location: 86 Gordon St., Jefferson, GA 30549

Hours: June 27th: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | June 28th: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Background

As part of this year’s events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, Freedom 250 pioneered Freedom Trucks to bring this historic celebration to communities across the United States. A fleet of six mobile museums, the Freedom Trucks were built to share the story of our American independence to schools, community spaces, and families throughout the country.

Additional information and resources about Freedom 250’s patriotic events are available on Congressman Clyde’s website HERE and on the official Freedom 250 website HERE.

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Gwinnett Nominees on U.S. Service Academy Appointments

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored Alexander Lee, Tanner Brannock, and Divya Tiwary during a signing ceremony celebrating their U.S. Service Academy appointments. Rep. Clyde proudly nominated all three Georgians for the prestigious appointments.

Alexander Lee of Buford, GA | Peachtree Ridge High School | USMA
Tanner Brannock of Dacula, GA | University of North Georgia | USAFA
Divya Tiwary of Suwanee, GA | Georgia Military Academy | USAFA

On Thursday, Rep. Clyde hosted Alexander, Tanner, Divya, and their families at his Gainesville District Office to recognize their impressive appointments and dedication to military service. Following remarks highlighting their hard work and individual accolades, Rep. Clyde presented each appointee with a Congressional Certificate of Congratulations and a Pledge of Commitment for signature.

“Alexander, Tanner, and Divya are highly motivated, natural leaders with servants' hearts,” said Clyde. “From West Point to Colorado Springs, I have no doubt that each of these bright Northeast Georgians will continue to make our Ninth District proud through their studies and training. May God bless and protect them as they embark on this noble path to military service.”

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Alexander Lee on USMA Appointment

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Tanner Brannock on USAFA Appointment

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Divya Tiwary on USAFA Appointment

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.

Rep. Clyde Congratulates White County Graduate on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored recent White County High School graduate Bryson Howe during a signing ceremony celebrating his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). Rep. Clyde proudly nominated Bryson for the prestigious appointment.

The event gathered Bryson’s mentors and White County School System administrators and educators in the White County Board of Commissioners’ hearing room to recognize Bryson’s extraordinary accomplishment and commitment to military service. After delivering remarks highlighting Bryson’s appointment, Rep. Clyde presented him with a Congressional Certificate of Congratulations and a Pledge of Commitment for signature.

“Bryson’s resilience in the face of adversity, passion for others, and sincere commitment to serve our great nation are deeply admirable,” said Clyde. “I have full confidence that he has a solid foundation, a strong moral compass, and a successful career ahead of him — as a midshipman and beyond. I wish Bryson the very best at the U.S. Naval Academy and in his future service.”

Background

Rep. Clyde Files Articles of Impeachment Against Obama-Appointed Georgia Judge

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) filed three articles of impeachment against Eleanor Ross, a U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

“When judges become political activists or engage in judicial misconduct, Congress bears both the responsibility and the constitutional authority to hold them accountable,” said Clyde. “Judge Ross’ deeply disturbing actions prove she is incapable of displaying integrity or showing impartiality. She’s simply unfit to remain a U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, which is why I’m leading the charge to impeach Judge Ross and ultimately remove her from the bench.”

The three articles of impeachment are summarized below and available HERE.

Article I: Incident to her position as a United States District Court Judge, Eleanor Louise Ross has engaged in conduct with respect to improper sexual activity in chambers with a law enforcement officer that is incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in her as a judge.

Article II: Eleanor Louise Ross engaged in judicial misconduct by attending a partisan political event.

Article III: Eleanor Louise Ross corruptly obstructed, influenced, or impeded an official proceeding.

Read the Daily Caller’s exclusive on Rep. Clyde’s articles of impeachment against Judge Ross HERE.

Original cosponsors include (7): Representatives Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Buddy Carter (GA-01), John Carter (TX-31), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Andy Harris (MD-01), and Andy Ogles (TN-05).