Some in Congress want to know why ATF is choking the 2nd Amendment supply chain

In a letter dated June 29, 2022, Congress Andy Biggs from Arizona sent a letter to ATF raising serious concerns about whether the Biden administration is using the ATF and applying pressure to ATF officials and industry inspectors to closed down as many federal firearms licensees as possible. Congressman Biggs’ letter is signed by 24 other House members. As an aside, not a single House member from Tennessee joined in the letter which suggests that perhaps Tennessee’s 2nd Amendment advocates might want to take this letter to their Representatives (and their challengers this year) to find out why their signatures are not on the letter.

There is no doubt that the ATF has increased its efforts to eliminate as many dealers and manufacturers as possible. One source, as noted in Biggs’ letter, indicates that the increase is approximately 500% in just the most recent portion of the Biden administration.

The letter notes serious concerns that are held by many in the industry but which, unfortunately, very few citizens and grassroots activists are even aware of. For example, the Biggs’ letter summarizes:

The DOJ’s efforts to force its administration’s agenda onto ATF are particularly disturbing. Local ATF field agents have shared they feel pressured to take actions against individual businesses that they do not feel are appropriate or in the interest of public safety. Some have even reported that ATF field divisions are being pitted against each other and being forced to compete on the number of licenses revoked. ATF Directors of Industry Operations, who oversee revocation proceedings, are being told to press forward with this escalating quota system or face professional repercussions. This commandeering of agency discretion to support the administration’s agenda undermines ATF’s ability to function as a specialized agency and is rapidly destroying the trust and confidence ATF has worked hard to establish with the firearms industry over many decades. This is the same trust and confidence that has historically fostered open communications between ATF and members of the industry, resulting in voluntary reporting of criminal or suspicious activity and frank discussions to help improve compliance.

Biggs’ June 29, 2022 letter

The actions of the ATF and its employees who are going along with the unconstitutional mandates from the Biden administration that are designed to choke off the 2nd Amendment supply chain raise serious questions of motive and constitutional misconduct. This is an intentional and determined attack not only on the public’s rights as protected by the 2nd Amendment but on the fundamental principles of our constitutional republic regarding free trade, commerce, fundamental rights and due process. Apparently, none of that matters to Biden, the ATF or those employees who put jobs and promotions ahead of constitutionally protected rights.

It is critical that Tennesseans should be able to rely on their federal Representatives and Senators to push back against these tyrannical abuses. It is critical that Tennesseans – each of you acting individually – take this matter into your hands and that you go see your individual state and federal legislators and ask them what are they doing to put a stop to the ATF’s abuses.

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