Boebert Leads Charge To Eliminate ATF Over Federal Overreach

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) has introduced legislation to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), arguing the agency has consistently overstepped its bounds and infringed on Americans’ rights.

HR 129, introduced at the start of the 119th Congress, seeks to dismantle the federal agency tasked with regulating firearms, alcohol, and explosives. Boebert described the ATF as an agency plagued by mismanagement and overreach, citing its history of controversial actions like Operation Fast and Furious.

“Bureaucrats don’t create laws. Congress does,” Boebert said, criticizing the agency for functioning like a legislative body through its rulemaking authority. She pointed to the ATF’s regulation of stabilizing braces as an example of what she called an abuse of power.

The failed Fast and Furious operation, which allowed firearms to reach Mexican cartels in an attempt to track them, resulted in hundreds of lost weapons and was tied to the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. “Americans have had a hard time viewing this agency as legitimate ever since,” Boebert remarked.

Boebert’s push comes as Republicans, who now control both chambers of Congress, aim to roll back federal regulations they say infringe on constitutional rights. Missouri Rep. Eric Burlison called the ATF a “disaster,” saying its actions frequently violate the Second Amendment.

With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, Boebert and other Republicans may see an opportunity to scale back federal agencies they believe contribute to government overreach.

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