WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and 139 Members in sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Marvin Richardson regarding the proposed guidance on Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached Stabilizing Braces.

ATF has repeatedly stated, the brace concept was inspired by the needs of disabled combat veterans who still enjoy recreational shooting but could not reliably control heavy pistols without assistance. Consequently, ATF agrees that there are legitimate uses for certain stabilizing braces.

If this is the stance of the ATF, then this is not an attempt to curb gun violence as suggested by this proposed guidance, but a direct tax on disabled combat veterans. Should this guidance go into effect, a disabled combat veteran who has chosen the best stabilizing brace for their disability is now a felon unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax, wrote the lawmakers. Furthermore, it could make millions of law-abiding citizens felons overnight. It is unclear if someone currently in possession of a pistol with a stabilizing brace is expected to apply the test to the lawfully possessed firearm or if there is some other expectation to clarify the classification. Additionally, and more troubling, is the omission of any outlined process for disabled veterans to report a disability exempting them from this unconstitutional process.

They continued, We are disturbed a government agency would issue guidance that would tax and take away the ability of tens of millions of Americans, including disabled veterans to enjoy constitutionally protected rights. In fact, the ATF seems committed to attacking the constitutionally protected rights of all law-abiding citizens.

Read the full letter here and below.

Dear Attorney General Garland and Acting Director Richardson:

We write to you today to express our deep concern regarding the recent Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) notice for proposed guidance on "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces.'" This proposed guidance is alarming and jeopardizes the rights of law-abiding gun owners and disabled combat veterans across the country.

The ATF has repeatedly stated, "the brace concept was inspired by the needs of disabled combat veterans who still enjoy recreational shooting but could not reliably control heavy pistols without assistance. Consequently, ATF agrees that there are legitimate uses for certain 'stabilizing braces."' If this is the stance of the ATF, then this is not an attempt to curb gun violence as suggested by this proposed guidance, but a direct tax on disabled combat veterans. Should this guidance go into effect, a disabled combat veteran who has chosen the best stabilizing brace for their disability is now a felon unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax. Furthermore, it could make millions of law-abiding citizens felons overnight. It is unclear if someone currently in possession of a pistol with a stabilizing brace is expected to apply the test to the lawfully possessed firearm or if there is some other expectation to clarify the classification. Additionally, and more troubling, is the omission of any outlined process for disabled veterans to report a disability exempting them from this unconstitutional process.

We are disturbed a government agency would issue guidance that would tax and take away the ability of tens of millions of Americans, including disabled veterans to enjoy constitutionally protected rights. In fact, the ATF seems committed to attacking the constitutionally protected rights of all law-abiding citizens.

The Second Amendment is the right that allows us to defend our other rights. If we are to uphold the Constitution, this right cannot be infringed.

We urge you to take action to correct this injustice immediately by withdrawing this proposed guidance.

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Newhouse Opposes Tax on Disabled Veterans, Calls on ATF to Withdraw Proposed Stabilizing Brace Guidance - Dan Newhouse