Missouri Congressman Pushes to Abolish ATF Over Second Amendment Concerns

Rep. Eric Burlison plans to reintroduce legislation to eliminate the ATF, citing constitutional violations and advocating for state-level regulation of firearms.

Overview

Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) announced plans to introduce a bill in January 2025 to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Burlison claims the ATF has overstepped its authority, violating Second Amendment rights through actions such as its attempted pistol brace ban.
The congressman argues that firearm regulation should be left to individual states rather than federal oversight by agencies like the ATF.
The proposed legislation mirrors a 2023 bill introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz, which Burlison co-sponsored during his first year in Congress.
An ATF spokesperson defended the agency, emphasizing its role in combating violent crime and its benefits to public safety.