New Bill Aims to Eliminate Alleged ATF Gun Registry

The “No Registry Rights Act,” a legislative proposal co-authored by Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), is making waves as it aims to dismantle what critics call an illegal and intrusive firearm registry managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

In an article published on Congressman Michael Cloud’s website, columnist AWR Hawkins reports that this legislation is a direct response to concerns over a growing database that contains records of nearly one billion firearm transactions in the United States.

A Controversial Database Unveiled

Hawkins highlights a 2022 report by The Washington Free Beacon, which revealed that the ATF had accumulated 920 million firearm transaction records, many digitized for accessibility. Critics, including Rep. Cloud, have pointed out that maintaining such a database violates federal laws prohibiting a centralized firearm registry. Despite these laws, the ATF’s Out-of-Business Records Imaging System (OBRIS) retains records indefinitely from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) that go out of business.

Legislative Focus on Privacy and Rights

The proposed bill takes three primary steps to address the issue. First, it mandates the deletion of all existing firearm transaction records. Second, it allows FFLs to destroy transaction records upon closure, preventing further accumulation. Finally, it explicitly prohibits any federal agency from creating or maintaining a firearm registry in the future. Sen. Risch emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, “The Second Amendment is not conditional to a list of guns in circulation and their owners.”

Advocacy from Gun Rights Organizations

Gun rights groups like Gun Owners of America (GOA) have played a significant role in pushing for this legislation. In a recent video, Ben Sanderson of GOA underscored the database’s dangers, labeling it a “door-to-door confiscation list.” He encouraged gun owners to contact their representatives to ensure the bill’s passage. The group also revealed alarming details about how the database is searchable by firearm type, such as AR-15s, a capability critics say could facilitate sweeping firearm restrictions.

The Role of Grassroots Activism

Sanderson called on citizens to take action, noting that the bill’s success depends on public pressure. GOA has launched campaigns encouraging gun owners to lobby Congress directly. Their report on the ATF’s practices was described as “damning,” further fueling support for the legislation.

Voices from the Gun Rights Community

Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets also weighed in, pointing out the historical implications of firearm registries. “Registration leads to confiscation,” Yanis argued in a recent video, emphasizing that such databases have been used worldwide to disarm citizens. He noted that ATF policies, such as the requirement for FFLs to retain records permanently, have only exacerbated concerns among gun owners.

The Implications of ATF Overreach

Hawkins detailed how the Biden administration’s policies, including a “zero tolerance” rule for clerical errors by FFLs, have resulted in an increase in businesses closing and records flowing into the ATF’s possession. Critics argue this lays the groundwork for an expansive, de facto registry.

Congressional Pushback

Rep. Cloud has been vocal about his opposition to the database, describing it as a “clear threat to Americans’ privacy and constitutional freedoms.” He warned that such a registry could be exploited to surveil gun owners and implement restrictive policies. Cloud’s efforts have garnered support from over 50 members of Congress, who previously wrote to the ATF demanding accountability.

Legal and Ethical Questions

The existence of the ATF’s searchable database has raised questions about its legality. Federal laws explicitly prohibit a national firearm registry, yet the digitized format of these records appears to skirt the intent of such legislation. This ambiguity has led to heated debates in congressional hearings, with lawmakers challenging the ATF’s compliance with existing laws.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

Media personalities like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham have amplified these concerns, featuring lawmakers such as Sen. Risch and Rep. Jim Jordan to discuss the database’s implications. This media attention has galvanized support for the bill and heightened awareness of the issue among the general public.

A Fundamental Question

I believe the controversy surrounding the ATF’s database is not just a legal battle but a fundamental question about governmental power and individual rights. The database’s scale – nearly a billion records – is staggering and raises valid concerns about privacy. If such a registry exists, even unintentionally, it challenges the spirit of the Second Amendment and sets a precedent that could extend to other constitutional rights.

A Step Toward Transparency

The “No Registry Rights Act” represents a significant move toward accountability and transparency in firearm regulation. Regardless of one’s stance on gun control, the bipartisan call for adherence to the law and protection of privacy is a point of consensus that deserves attention. This legislation concerns everyone because it is about the principles of governance and the limits of bureaucratic authority.

This unfolding debate is one to watch, as its outcome will likely influence the broader conversation about the balance between public safety and individual freedoms in the United States.

To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full article on Congressman Michael Cloud’s website here, and watch the videos on the Guns of America YouTube channel here, and on Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News here.