Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced S. 941 --  the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act" -- on April 30.  Senator Leahy is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to which S. 941 has been referred. 

S. 941 represents the first time such BATFE Reform legislation has been introduced in the Senate.  However, the House passed similar legislation (H.R. 5092) in the 109th Congress by a 277-131 vote.  A majority of the House -- 224 congressmen -- cosponsored a similar bill (H.R. 4900), in the 110th Congress. 

This bipartisan reform legislation is the culmination of efforts to address BATFE abuses and problems that were highlighted in several congressional oversight hearings in 2006.  (To read more about these hearings, please click here.)  S. 941 represents NRA-ILA's latest efforts to pass legislation that will make it easier for lawful gun owners and dealers to comply with federal law and regulations, while ensuring that those who break the law are punished accordingly.  This bipartisan bill also serves as a vital step toward modernizing and improving BATFE's overall operations.  The bill would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena, and is a vital step needed to modernize and improve BATFE operations.

A fact sheet on S. 941 can be found here.  The House companion to S. 941 will be introduced next week.