U.S. House Majority Leader Release Statement on ATF Proposal to Limit Second Amendment Rights

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) released the following statement on a proposed framework the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is using to ban the production and sale of popular AR-15 ammunition:

Washington, D.C. – House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) released the following statement on a recent proposal from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to ban the production and sale of M855 ammunition:

“The Obama Administration sees no bounds in its attempt to push its left-wing agenda through executive fiat. After the American people’s representatives have repeatedly rejected the Presidents policies–such as taxing carbon–this Administration is again attempting to usurp constitutional power and act on its own. Two weeks ago, in typical ‘news-dump’ fashion on a Friday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms issued an onerous ‘Framework’ that, if implemented, would result in a de facto ban on common ammunition that is popular and affordable for American hunters and sportsmen. Because the President failed to ban certain firearms in the past, the Administration is now twisting current law to go after ammunition.

“This is unacceptable.

“Not only does this ‘Framework’ offend procedural and statutory law, it aims to subvert the constitutional rights of millions of Americans. We condemn this Administration’s continued attempt to restrict the American people’s ability to legally and responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights. If the Administration and ATF continue in this illegitimate path, the House will keep all options on the table, including potential legislation, to ensure this proposal is not implemented.”

NOTE: In addition, Chairman Goodlatte will be sending a letter, signed by dozens of House Members including Leader McCarthy, to ATF Director Todd Jones in opposition to this proposal.