September 26, 2006

CONTACT:
Christina Tuff
(202) 225-2211
christina.tuff@mail.house.gov


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sullivan released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 5092, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) Modernization and Reform Act of 2005.

“I am pleased today that the House passed H.R. 5092, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) Modernization and Reform Act of 2005. This legislation will provide BATFE with effective tools to investigate violations of our nation’s gun laws, while simultaneously ensuring that individual civil liberties are respected. This includes setting a penalty cap for gun dealers at $15,000 for serious violations (such as the transfer or sale of a firearm to a person prohibited from possessing one or obstructing in a criminal investigation) and $5,000 for non-serious violations (such as paperwork errors).

“H.R. 5092 also clarifies BATFE’s enforcement efforts to focus on criminal and regulatory violations of federal firearms, explosives, arson, alcohol and tobacco smuggling laws and establishes new regulatory hearing procedures which require the review of BATFE’s licensing decisions.

“Many Oklahomans choose to own a firearm for a variety of reasons, including for sport, hunting, and protection from criminals who have access to firearms illegally. This legislation will help ensure that the BATFE can do their job and ensure that Americans Second Amendment rights are protected.”

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