Southwest Montana News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) was featured in an article in the Washington Examiner concerning a new rule by the Biden Administration's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The rule, which took effect on May 20th, redefines “Engaged in Business” to mandate that anyone selling a single firearm for profit must obtain a federal license, conduct a background check, and complete gun registration paperwork under federal law. This regulation led to the cancellation of a gun show in Hamilton, Montana.

Rep. Rosendale commented to the Washington Examiner: “I think what people really need to understand is that the language [of the rule] is very subjective. It grants more authority to the ATF, and everyone should be concerned about that. The fact that we just had a gun show canceled, and specifically because of the uncertainties and possible criminal liabilities created by the new regulation, now we’re not speaking about theory anymore. We’re talking about the harsh realities; this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

On May 23, 2024, Congressman Rosendale expressed outrage following the cancellation of the Hamilton gun show due to this ATF rule. Additionally, on May 16, 2024, he became an original cosponsor on H.J.Res.144—a joint resolution aiming to overturn this regulation. The ATF published its Definition of “Engaged in Business” as a Dealer in Firearms rule in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024.