Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has joined U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) in introducing the ATF Accountability Act (S.3529), a bill aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The legislation seeks to address the secretive classification review process used by the ATF to determine the regulation of firearms under the National Firearms Act.

In a statement, Hyde-Smith emphasized the importance of transparency for law-abiding gun owners, stating, "The ATF owes nothing less than transparency to law-abiding gun owners exercising their Second Amendment rights and all Americans in general. For the past few years, its secretive rule making processes and lack of accountability have threatened those constitutional rights." She further explained that the bill aims to level the playing field for American gun owners, dealers, and manufacturers affected by the ATF's rules and determinations.

Senator Braun echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency within the ATF. "American gun owners and manufacturers have been left in the dark for far too long with closed-door rule changes by the ATF," he said. "Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights shouldn't be the last to know the classification status of firearms, or what licenses or tax stamps they need to avoid running afoul of the law. The ATF needs accountability and transparency, which this bill accomplishes."

The current practices of the ATF often result in uncertainty for gun owners and manufacturers, as decisions and justifications for decisions related to National Firearms Act regulations are typically only shared privately with manufacturers. This lack of transparency adds to the confusion and creates challenges for those seeking to comply with the law. Additionally, the ATF's refusal to make final public rules regarding classification further compounds the issue.

The ATF Accountability Act (S.3529) seeks to address these concerns by providing transparency to law-abiding gun owners across America. The bill has garnered support from several senators, including U.S. Senators John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and others who have cosponsored the legislation.

This is not the first time Senator Hyde-Smith has taken action to ensure transparency within the ATF. Last year, she was among 20 Senators who signed a letter urging the disclosure of details regarding the ATF's use of secret internal guidance that could potentially infringe upon Second Amendment rights.

With the introduction of the ATF Accountability Act (S.3529), Senator Hyde-Smith and her colleagues are working towards a more transparent and accountable ATF, providing certainty to gun owners and manufacturers while safeguarding their Second Amendment rights.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-cosponsors-bill-hold-atf-accountable-give-gun-owners-manufacturers-more-certainty