Boebert Pushes To Abolish ATF

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) is spearheading a bold move to eliminate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), introducing HR 129 to begin dismantling the federal agency. Boebert, a staunch advocate for gun rights, has long criticized the ATF for what she describes as regulatory overreach and a history of abuses.

On the House floor, Boebert stated, “Bureaucrats don’t create laws. Congress does. This rule functions like a law that Congress never passed.” She further criticized the ATF’s handling of firearms regulation, highlighting the agency’s infamous Operation Fast and Furious.

The operation, which ran from 2009 to 2011, was a failed attempt to track firearms trafficked to Mexican cartels. Hundreds of weapons were lost, and some were later tied to violent crimes, including the killing of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. “Fast and Furious exposed the recklessness of the ATF,” Boebert said. “How little regard they have for the rule of law.”

Republicans have increasingly accused the ATF of exceeding its mandate, particularly with recent firearm classification rules. The agency’s move to regulate pistols equipped with stabilizing braces drew backlash from gun rights advocates and was deemed likely illegal by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2024.

Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison has echoed Boebert’s sentiments, calling the ATF “a disaster” that has repeatedly violated the Second Amendment. “This is an agency that just continues to violate citizens’ rights,” he said.

Boebert argues that eliminating the ATF would be a significant step toward curbing federal overreach. “The Second Amendment is absolute and it’s here to stay,” she declared, underscoring her belief that federal agencies often undermine constitutional rights instead of protecting them.

The bill faces an uncertain future, but with a Republican-controlled Congress and President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, momentum to address federal overreach may be growing.