Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul has joined forces with Senator Ted Budd and 44 other senators to demand answers from the Biden Administration regarding the unprecedented pause of firearms export licenses. In a letter addressed to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, the senators raised concerns over the decision announced by the Bureau of Industry and Security to halt the issuance of export licenses for firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories to most overseas markets.

The senators argue that this move could have a detrimental impact on the firearms industry and Second Amendment rights. According to a survey conducted by the firearm and ammunition industry trade association, the industry estimates a direct cost of at least $89 million associated with the 90-day pause and at least $238 million annually if the pause becomes permanent.

The senators are questioning the Biden Administration's motives and using unfounded national security concerns to push its anti-gun agenda. They are demanding a thorough explanation from the Department of Commerce regarding the reasoning behind the pause, including any national security and foreign policy interests.

The senators have requested a response to their inquiry by November 30th. They are seeking clarification on various aspects, including the impact on U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, engagement with industry stakeholders, and the number of pending export license applications affected by the pause.

This pause on firearms export licenses is unprecedented, and the senators are concerned about the justifications and ramifications of this decision. They also worry that the unmet demand created by the pause may lead to opportunities for illicit arms markets to thrive.

In their letter, the senators highlight the importance of firearms for civilian self-defense and cite examples from Ukraine and Israel, where the governments have taken measures to arm their citizens in the face of threats. They argue that the exemption for these countries demonstrates the significance of firearms exports.

Joining Dr. Rand Paul and Senator Ted Budd in sending the letter are Senators Mitch McConnell, John Thune, John Barrasso, Shelley Moore Capito, Tim Scott, Bill Hagerty, Jim Risch, Mike Crapo, Joni Ernst, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Thom Tillis, Rick Scott, Roger Wicker, Steve Daines, Marsha Blackburn, John Hoeven, J.D. Vance, John Kennedy, Josh Hawley, John Cornyn, Katie Britt, Markwayne Mullin, Kevin Cramer, Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Cynthia Lummis, Mike Rounds, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Pete Ricketts, Mike Braun, Deb Fischer, Eric Schmitt, Roger Marshall, Tom Cotton, John Boozman, Dan Sullivan, Jerry Moran, Bill Cassidy, Marco Rubio, Ron Johnson, Tommy Tuberville, James Lankford, and Todd Young.

The senators are seeking transparency and accountability from the Biden Administration regarding this pause on firearms export licenses. They believe that the livelihood of the firearms industry and the protection of Second Amendment rights are at stake.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-joins-effort-to-demand-answers-over-biden-administrations-unprecedented-pause-of-firearms-export-licenses/