Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

BATFE, Firearm Importation & Federal Firearm Law Reform

Among its duties, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) monitors firearm manufacturers, importers and dealers for compliance with record-keeping requirements; conducts traces on the commercial paths of individual firearms at the request of law enforcement agencies; interprets firearm importation law; and administers transfers of firearms regulated by the National Firearm Act of 1934.

The BATFE was used by the Clinton administration to reduce the number of firearm dealers, and by the administrations of presidents G. H. W. Bush and Clinton to restrict “assault weapons” by misinterpreting firearm importation law. The agency’s tracing data, sometimes useful in identifying persons involved in illegally trafficking firearms, have been mischaracterized by gun control supporters in the context of their campaigns against “Saturday Night Specials” and “assault weapons,” and in favor of making state gun laws more restrictive.

BATFE has been widely criticized for its role in the “Ruby Ridge” and “Waco” tragedies, and Operation Fast and Furious, in which the agency knowingly allowed firearms to be bought by straw purchasers and other traffickers, and thereafter smuggled from the United States to Mexico, where they made their way to violent drug cartels.

Issue Articles
SECTION
FROM
WITHIN

Monday, December 12, 2011

Medical Marijuana

A person who actually uses marijuana—medicinally or otherwise—is an "unlawful user of ... [a] controlled substance," because marijuana is ...

The Daily Caller  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Congressman attempts to transfer Fast and Furious blame onto NRA 'radicals'

Georgia Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson accused the tea party movement and the National Rifle Association of creating an ...

The Washington Times  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Holder refuses to fire aides from Fast and Furious operation

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., during a rancorous House committee hearing Thursday, dismissed Republican calls to fire ...

The Associated Press  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Congressman says heads must roll in Operation Fast and Furious

Republican lawmakers told Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday to fire some Justice Department subordinates over the flawed ...

The Hill  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Congressman says Fast and Furious was hatched to build support for gun control

The botched gun tracking operation Fast and Furious was a plot hatched by the Obama administration to impose ...

The Texas Observer  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Did the U.S. Government supply the gun that Killed Jaime Zapata?

Operation Fast and Furious -- the Arizona based federal gun tracking program that led to the death of ...

The Daily Caller  

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Democratic congressman: If Holder knew of Fast and Furious, he 'should leave'

Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez told The Daily Caller on Tuesday that he thinks "it's much too early" ...

News  

Friday, October 14, 2011

H.R. 58/S. 1691, The Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

H.R. 58/S. 1691, introduced by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK) in the House and ...

News  

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Obama and Holder Still Pleading Ignorance on 'Fast and Furious,' But It’s Getting Harder

As this scandal and the resulting cover-up grow bigger and more shocking by the day, President Obama and ...

News  

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Big Question Is: Who Knew?

Where Will The Buck Stop When It Comes To BATFE’s Failed “Fast and Furious” Operation?

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.