In a concerning development for Second Amendment advocates, the Biden administration appears to be moving towards tightening federal control over private gun sales. Recently, Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research disclosed that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has prepared a voluminous 1,300-page document, under White House directives, proposing a rule that necessitates background checks for all gun sales, including private transactions. This revelation, stemming from whistleblowers, signals an unprecedented expansion of government oversight into the private lives of American citizens.
The ATF’s proposal, backed by a Biden executive order, targets the reinterpretation of who is considered “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. It attempts to narrow down the exemptions for occasional sales or personal collection exchanges under the Gun Control Act of 1968 and subsequent legislation. This rule not only oversteps the administrative boundaries of the ATF but encroaches upon the constitutional rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Such a sweeping measure, bypassing the legislative process, represents an alarming overreach by the executive branch, undermining the constitutional separation of powers where legislative functions are vested in Congress.
Critics view this as a direct assault on the fundamental rights of Americans to bear arms. The attempt to federally regulate private gun sales is not only an invasion of personal freedoms but also a potential threat to the privacy and security of law-abiding citizens. The Biden administration’s intent to enforce universal background checks without new legislation is a clear indication of its disregard for Congress and the Constitution.
Furthermore, this move can be seen as a calculated political maneuver in an election year, aimed at appeasing the president’s base rather than addressing the root causes of gun violence in America. The administration’s focus on lawful gun owners, rather than criminals who obtain firearms illegally, raises questions about its commitment to truly enhancing public safety.
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing their disapproval of the ATF’s proposal during the open comment period. This backlash is a testament to the strong support for Second Amendment rights among the American populace. The proposed rule, if implemented, is likely to face stiff opposition in the courts, mirroring the fate of Biden’s debt relief plan.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for the DOJ to disclose all related communications and documents under the Freedom of Information Act, as requested by Empower Oversight. Transparency in this matter is of utmost importance to ensure that the rights of American citizens are not trampled upon by overzealous bureaucratic actions. The ongoing debate over gun control and the Second Amendment is a complex and sensitive issue, demanding careful consideration and respect for constitutional rights, rather than hasty executive actions driven by politics.
