Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Eric Burlison of Missouri have introduced legislation to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), claiming the agency's regulations infringe upon Second Amendment rights.
Boebert expressed her skepticism about the ATF's role in supporting gun owners, stating she couldn't envision any scenario where the agency acts as an ally to Second Amendment rights. Burlison echoed this sentiment, characterizing the ATF as a "deep-state bureaucracy" that disregards constitutional liberties. He argued that if the agency fails to uphold its constitutional duties, it shouldn't exist within the government.
The bill has garnered support from several other House Representatives. The proposed legislation would eliminate the ATF, which currently regulates firearms, investigates federal gun crimes, and handles crimes involving explosives, arson, terrorism, and illegal alcohol and tobacco activities.
Burlison previously advocated for states to manage law enforcement responsibilities currently handled by the ATF, claiming the agency is too small and relies on local law enforcement to enforce laws not passed by state legislatures. In contrast, an ATF spokesperson defended the agency's role, highlighting its contributions to fighting violent crime. Burlison also suggested abolishing the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency.
