In a bombshell report, Jared Yanis, host of Guns & Gadgets, broke down the new federal appropriations bill now moving through Congress, and the impact is massive. According to Jared, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is about to take a $750 million budget cut. That’s not just a trim – it rolls their funding back to levels not seen since 2015. For an agency already under fire from gun owners, that’s a significant blow. This budget signals a shift in how Congress is willing, or unwilling, to fund enforcement of controversial firearms policies.
No More Funding for Biden’s Gun Rules
One of the biggest takeaways, as Jared highlighted, is that the ATF can no longer spend money on any regulation created since January 21, 2021 – the day President Biden took office. That means everything from pistol brace rules to ghost gun regulations is essentially defunded. Jared called this “the easy way out,” warning that while it strips enforcement now, future administrations could reverse it unless courts rule these regulations unconstitutional outright.
NFA Timelines Tied to Funding
Another important detail: ATF must now process National Firearms Act (NFA) applications within strict timelines, 120 days for paper, 60 days for eForms, or they lose most of their funding. Jared explained that only 40% of their appropriated budget can be accessed unless these benchmarks are met. If they can’t keep up, they don’t get paid. That kind of pressure could completely reshape how the NFA operates.
Frame and Receiver Rule Is Defunded
Jared pointed out a major win for gun owners in Section 543 of the bill. It blocks the ATF from enforcing or defending its “frame and receiver” rule, which had sought to regulate unfinished gun parts like full firearms. According to Jared, once this bill becomes law, even defending the rule in court would be illegal if paid for with federal funds. That means active lawsuits could die if the DOJ refuses to defend them.
Brace Rule Blocked on Two Fronts
Stabilizing braces, another hot-button issue, also got the axe. Jared explained that Section 548 and again in Section 569 ban funding for enforcement, classification, taxation, or registration of braced firearms under the NFA. The bill even forbids agencies from treating them like short-barreled rifles (SBRs). Jared celebrated this provision as a clear victory for owners of braced pistols who have faced legal limbo for over a year.
No Money for Gun Buybacks or Red Flag Laws
The bill also blocks federal money from being used for gun buyback programs or red flag laws. Jared pointed to Section 562 and 563, which say the federal government can’t fund these efforts unless due process, including notice and a hearing, is guaranteed. Then Section 564 doubles down, banning funding for any red flag programs. Jared reminded viewers that while this affects federal money, states can still act on their own unless Congress rescinds the original law.
Biden’s Executive Orders Halted
Jared also reported that Section 544 halts the enforcement of President Biden’s Executive Order 14092, which tried to push the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act through executive channels. While much of that act is now law, Jared stressed that any implementation tied to Biden’s executive orders is now defunded. It’s another signal that Congress is no longer willing to support rule-making by fiat.
Civil Suits and Zero Tolerance Policy Gutted
In a section Jared described as confusing but important, Section 567 prevents the ATF from spending money on civil suits unless it is a named party. That could prevent the agency from using taxpayer money to help target gun shops indirectly. Meanwhile, Section 592 defunds the controversial zero tolerance policy, where gun dealers could lose licenses over clerical errors. Jared noted that the “or defend” language was missing here, meaning lawsuits may still proceed, but the rule is effectively frozen.
ATF’s Registry Plans Shredded
Twice in the bill, Congress slams the door on ATF’s digital registry efforts. Section 566 blocks any funds for maintaining a federal firearms registry, something Jared emphasized is already illegal. Yet in Section 609, it goes further, cutting off money for ATF’s digitized 4473 records collected from out-of-business gun shops. Jared reminded viewers that FOIA requests proved ATF had already scanned over 1 billion records – a staggering figure that alarmed gun rights advocates.
“Engaged in the Business” Rule Stopped Cold
Another Biden-era regulation, defining what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, is also out. Jared said the ATF wanted to force private citizens into using FFLs even for personal sales. But the budget defunds any attempt to implement or defend this policy. Jared again called it a “soft fix,” saying courts still need to weigh in if we want long-term protection.
Easy Wins or Temporary Victories?
What makes this whole situation fascinating is how Congress is using the budget as a weapon. As Jared pointed out, it’s effective but temporary. The next administration could restore every penny and bring these policies back unless the courts strike them down as unconstitutional. Still, the fact that so many anti-2A efforts have been shut down, at least for now, is something worth celebrating. These may be budgetary moves, but they could give breathing room to legal challenges and put pressure on regulators to back off.
Could Reciprocity Finally Happen?
One of the more interesting sections, according to Jared, was Section 612, which would block funds from going to any state that penalizes or financially discourages concealed carry reciprocity. That could be a big deal, especially for residents traveling across state lines with a valid permit. While it doesn’t create a national reciprocity law, it’s a step toward it. Jared speculated that this could be Trump’s way of fulfilling promises if re-elected, especially since bills like HR 38 continue to stall in the Senate.
The Bottom Line
In Jared Yanis’s full breakdown on Guns & Gadgets, he made it clear: this appropriations bill delivers a serious hit to the ATF’s power, budget, and ability to enforce or even defend new gun control measures. From defunding Biden’s executive orders to choking the ATF’s registry and rolling back every major post-2021 rule, the bill changes everything, at least for now. But as Jared warned, this is only a temporary fix. Without permanent legal wins, the next administration could undo all of it with the stroke of a pen.
UP NEXT: “Heavily Armed” — See Which States Are The Most Strapped
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Americans have long debated the role of firearms, but one thing is sure — some states are far more armed than others. See where your state ranks in this new report on firearm ownership across the U.S.
The article ATF Can’t Enforce Biden’s Gun Orders Anymore – And They’re Losing $750M first appeared on Survival World.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.
