Republican Representatives Lauren Boebert and Eric Burlison have introduced legislation to abolish the ATF. This proposal, backed by several GOP lawmakers, aims to dismantle what they perceive as an overreaching federal agency. What are the main arguments Republicans present for abolishing the ATF?
Republicans Push to Dismantle ATF
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) are spearheading efforts to abolish the ATF, citing concerns over Second Amendment rights. Boebert argues that the ATF poses a threat to law-abiding gun owners and could eventually “abolish our Second Amendment.”
Burlison echoes this sentiment, describing the ATF as part of a “deep-state bureaucracy” that infringes on constitutional liberties. This latest push follows similar attempts by Republican lawmakers in recent years to curtail or eliminate the agency’s authority.
Today, @RepBoebert and I introduced the Abolish the ATF Act.
The ATF is a disaster agency that time after time infringes on Americans’ Second Amendment rights. It’s gotta go. https://t.co/edmnSnnGaA
— Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) January 7, 2025
GOP’s Broader Strategy for Government Reduction
The move to abolish the ATF aligns with a larger Republican strategy to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. In 2021, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introduced a bill to eliminate the ATF and transfer its responsibilities to the Department of Justice.
Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also suggested eliminating the ATF as part of a broader plan to cut federal employees. These efforts reflect a core conservative principle of minimizing government intervention and preserving individual liberties.
Democratic Opposition and ATF Defense
Democrats and ATF supporters vehemently oppose the abolition efforts. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) argues that eliminating the ATF would hinder gun violence prevention and lawful gun ownership regulation.
Outgoing ATF director Steve Dettelbach warns that abolishing the agency would lead to increased violence. He emphasizes the ATF’s crucial role in fighting violent crime, describing its mission as “wildly nonpartisan and bipartisan.”
The White House and some Democrats view these efforts as part of “MAGA extremism” and a threat to public safety. This stark divide underscores the ongoing partisan debate over the role of federal agencies in regulating firearms and combating crime.