Rep. Matt Rosendale, U.S. Representative for Montana's 2nd District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Matt Rosendale, U.S. Representative for Montana's 2nd District | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) has released a statement following the cancellation of a gun show in Hamilton, Montana last weekend due to a new Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule. The rule, published on April 19th, 2024, significantly alters the process of selling firearms in the United States and has raised concerns about its impact on gun shows nationwide.
“The Second Amendment is an ironclad promise to American citizens that their right to keep and bear arms shall never be infringed,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Restricting individuals from buying and selling firearms from each other nullifies our founder’s intent when authoring the Second Amendment and will permanently damage the entire firearm industry.”
Rosendale criticized the administration for allegedly abusing the rulemaking process to bypass both the letter and intent of existing laws. He emphasized that this latest regulation violates constitutional rights and noted that several state attorneys general have challenged it alongside many congressional colleagues.
Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at Gun Owners of America (GOA), echoed Rosendale's concerns: “While Gun Owners of America secured a Temporary Restraining Order prohibiting ATF from enforcing this tyrannical new rule against GOA members nationwide and Texans, Congress needs to take action. Rep. Rosendale is right to condemn the ATF for harming Montanans that are not yet GOA members and who are being negatively impacted by the new illegal restrictions on their Second Amendment rights."
Johnston urged Congress to pass H.J.Res.144 to repeal what he termed as ATF's "Universal Registration Check" rule and prevent similar future regulations.
The controversial ATF rule defines anyone selling even a single firearm for profit as "Engaged in Business," requiring them to obtain a federal license, conduct background checks, and complete gun registration paperwork under federal law.
Congressman Rosendale is an original cosponsor of H.J.Res.144, a joint resolution aimed at overturning this rule.
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