“The Time Has Come. ABOLISH THE ATF!”: Lauren Boebert Pushes to Dismantle Federal Firearms Agency
Photograph: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call Getty Images
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), known for her firebrand approach to politics, has introduced legislation aimed at dismantling the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Boebert, who recently secured victory in a newly drawn district in northern Colorado, proposed H.R. 129 on Friday to “abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.”
Despite the GOP controlling both chambers of Congress, the bill faces long odds. GovTrack estimates only a 4% chance of it advancing out of committee and a mere 2% chance of being enacted.
On Monday, Boebert took to social media to rally support, declaring on X, “The time has come. ABOLISH THE ATF!” Her push to eliminate the agency aligns with sentiments expressed by other MAGA-aligned Republicans who have criticized the ATF for alleged overreach and constitutional violations.
Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, voiced similar criticism in late November when he announced plans to introduce a measure to abolish the ATF. Burlison has accused the agency of violating citizens’ Second Amendment rights, telling Fox News Digital, “The ATF is a disaster. For decades they’ve been a disaster agency and they’ve been violating the Constitution’s Second Amendment.”
Burlison cited a series of incidents, including Ruby Ridge, the Waco siege, and Operation Fast and Furious, as evidence of the agency’s history of overreach. “Every time they try to get involved, they mess things up,” he added, arguing that states should handle firearms regulation instead of federal agencies.
The legislation comes amid discussions about the leadership of the ATF under President-elect Donald Trump. Failed GOP Senate candidate Blake Masters, who has courted controversy for past comments blaming gun violence on “Black people, frankly,” is reportedly under consideration to head the agency, adding further polarization to the debate.
The 119th Congress, which began Friday, has given Republicans a slim majority in both chambers, with 52 seats in the Senate and 219 in the House to Democrats’ 215. However, with three Republican House seats expected to be vacant early this year pending special elections, their margin for passing legislation remains narrow.
While the bill faces significant legislative hurdles, Boebert’s proposal reflects ongoing efforts among conservative lawmakers to challenge federal oversight of firearms, signaling continued debates over Second Amendment rights and the role of federal agencies in regulating them.
