03.10.15

Murkowski: ATF Backing Away from Unlawful Ammo Ban

Senator: Decision a Victory for Common Sense and Alaskans’ Way of Life

Senator Lisa Murkowski today welcomed news from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that it is rescinding its recent unilateral “framework,” which threatened to limit access to rifle ammunition that is used by Alaskans and sportsmen nationwide. The ATF’s proposal expressly went against the 1986 Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act, and Senator Murkowski reminded the ATF of this yesterday in a letter from her and 51 of her Senate colleagues.

“The fact that the ATF would ignore the Constitution and the Second Amendment and the Obama administration’s attempt to ban ammunition of one of the most popular rifles is just the latest example of federal government overreach.  This is also an all-too-rare example of a victory for common sense and the law.  I joined my colleagues in vocalizing our concerns to the ATF Director because regulatory actions should not interfere with a law-abiding citizen's right to obtain ammunition used for legitimate purposes, such as hunting or simple target practice.

Background: Senator Murkowski was named Legislator of the Year by Safari Club International, and introduced the bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy.