“Any gun owner knows that stabilizing braces simply allow pistol users to more safely and steadily grip their firearm,” Emmer said.
“It’s bad enough that Biden administration officials don’t understand the basics of the firearms they are regulating. It is even worse that they are weaponizing this ignorance to unconstitutionally restrict the Second Amendment rights afforded to every American. We are proud to stand with Representative Clyde in this effort,” Emmer concluded.
Rep. Clyde said, “Congress must swiftly move to block the ATF’s unconstitutional pistol brace rule, as this misguided measure turns millions of law-abiding gun owners, including many disabled veterans, into criminals for merely possessing legal firearms with stabilizing braces. This abuse of rule-making authority requires either registration or a ban of pistol-braced firearms, dangerously violating our Constitution and irresponsibly disregarding Congress’ sole legislative authority. Unquestionably, this is nothing more than a reckless attempt to advance President Biden’s ultimate goal of an unarmed America. As a fierce defender of our Second Amendment freedoms and one of the few Federal Firearms Licensees in Congress, I’m proud to help lead the fight against the ATF’s latest assault on our unalienable right to keep and bear arms.”
"This rule is a blatant overreach by the ATF and jeopardizes the rights of law-abiding gun owners, including disabled veterans across the country," said Rep. Hudson. “As a strong defender of the Second Amendment, I’m proud to join Rep. Clyde in introducing this legislation opposing the Biden Administration’s unconstitutional rule.
The ATF’s final rule will reclassify millions of commonly-owned pistol-braced firearms as illegal short-barreled rifles and shotguns under the National Firearms Act of 1934. Any weapons with stabilizing braces or similar attachments must be registered by May 31, 2023. Those who don’t comply could be penalized with a ten-year jail sentence and a $10,000 fine. More information on the ATF’s rule is available here.
Background
The Congressional Review Act (CRA) allows Congress to disapprove of a final rule issued by a federal agency. If the rule is disapproved of using the CRA mechanism, it is nullified. Additionally, the issuing agency is prohibited from reissuing a “substantially similar” rule, unless Congress passes legislation allowing it.
The Joint Resolution of Disapproval is available in full here.
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