Cochran: ATF Ammo Reclassification Would Violate Intent Of Long-Standing Law

Miss. Senator Argues Regulatory Ban on Ammunition Used by Sportsmen is Unwarranted.

Thad Cochran
Thad Cochran

WASHINGTON, D.C. –-(Ammoland.com)- U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the Obama administration should abandon its new effort to ban the use or manufacture of certain types of ammunition used primarily by sportsmen.

Cochran on Friday said a new regulatory effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to reclassify 5.56 millimeter projectiles of SS 109 and M855 “green tip” ammunition as “armor-piercing ammunition” runs afoul of the Law Enforcement Protection Act of 1986.

In a letter to ATF Director B. Todd Jones, Cochran maintained the ammunition should continue to be classified as “primarily intended for sporting purposes.”

“It is my understanding that this common and widely available ammunition has been exempt from federal regulation related to armor piercing ammunition for almost 30 years,” Cochran said.

“I am concerned this proposed framework will supersede the will of Congress reflected through a statute that has proven effective in ensuring safe recreational application, and it will harm law-abiding gun owners and ammunition manufacturers.”

Cochran warned that the reclassification “sets a precedent that could lead to unnecessary regulation of almost all other classifications of ammunition.” The Senator said the prosed ATF framework disregards the “sporting purposes” exemption established in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(C) of the Law Enforcement Protection Act of 1986.

“In fact, this ammunition is used almost exclusively for sporting purposes. I strongly encourage you to revisit this interpretation and reconsider the vast implications that this may have on law-abiding gun owners and the American firearms industry,” Cochran wrote.

A copy of Cochran’s letter is available here: https://1.usa.gov/1C5LNql


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Janek

The big problem is the intent of laws and regulations is being trumped by Obama’s intentions using ‘executive orders’ and chicanery.

Earl

Agreed. But restoring the Filibuster rule is easy ground to take back , failing to do so while complaining their hands are tied, is a Republican sham and cop out. R = D ( Light )

Earl

Why are republicans not reversing the Filibuster rule , rammed through by Dems. last session , to maintain superiority over the lawmaking process … ???? Anyone ? Checks and Balances People !!