In an alarming move, the Justice Department aims to drastically reduce the number of inspectors overlooking federally licensed firearm dealers by a whopping two-thirds. This move only shrinks the already limited government capability to spotlight and monitor those businesses that recklessly provide firearms to criminals, as inferred from budget documentation.
This significant shift is in line with the previous administration’s agenda, under President Trump, whose clear intent was to dilute the effectiveness and cut the size of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Also on the table is the potential fusion of A.T.F. and the Drug Enforcement Administration, hinting at the continuous devaluation of federal regulating entities.
To add insult to injury, this move is following the undoing of policies implemented during the Biden era, rules aimed at decreasing the proliferation of deadly homemade firearms. So, in essence, the current administration seems to be more interested in poking holes in its own boat, rather than steering it to safe waters.
The planned deletion would see 541 of about 800 investigators lose their jobs. These individuals are responsible for ensuring federal dealers adhere to federal law and regulations. These regulations are critical in preventing firearms from landing in the hands of traffickers, criminals and individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness.
According to a budget summary circulated last week in a low-key manner, Department officials calculated that the cutbacks would lower ‘A.T.F.’s capacity to regulate the firearms and explosives industries by about 40 percent’ in the fiscal year starting in November. An absurd ratio considering the staff cuts represent two-thirds of the inspection workforce.
This major step back has been justified as a response to the White House’s demand for a drastic one-third cut from A.T.F.’s budget of $1.6 billion. But one can’t help but question the rationale for such cuts that primarily target those protecting the public from harm.
The announcement of this plan left the employees dumbfounded, adding insult to injury after months of unending distress. Point blank, these budgetary reductions will lead to hundreds of layoffs, leaving the future of A.T.F.’s role as a serious regulator of gun sales in major doubt, if not reversed by the powers that be.
Multiple agency staff came forward to voice their concern. As one of them aptly put it, ‘These are devastating cuts to law enforcement funding and would seriously hamper A.T.F.’s capacity to safeguard communities against gun violence.’
Echoing this sentiment, the leader of nonprofit advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety conveyed his severe dissatisfaction, stating that the move was a ‘win for dishonest gun vendors and a massive blow to A.T.F.’s partnerships with state and local law enforcement units.’
What seems to be missing from the entire discussion here is the fact that the move primarily strengthens the criminal elements in the society. These shoddy practices risk the security of our communities, ultimately putting the lives of innocent civilians in danger.
We can’t help but wonder why the Biden administration would pursue policies that aid in arming criminals and destabilizing society. These feeble justifications ring hollow when we observe the severe potential consequences that our communities face.
Despite everything, there’s still room for improvement, for realignment. There’s hope that the administration may take swift corrective measures in light of the feedback from those directly impacted and associated with the A.T.F.
In conclusion, this setback only serves to undermine the credibility and effectiveness of our enforcement agencies. It lends strength to underhanded dealers, putting law-abiding citizens at risk of increased gun violence. This clearly demonstrates that we are on a path of reckless leadership under Biden and his administration.