Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice, relating to "Definition of 'Engaged in the Business' as a Dealer in Firearms".
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 14 - 9.
Official Summary
Official summary has not been imported yet.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™House Joint Resolution 144 (HJRES 144) from the 118th Congress is a legislative measure aimed at disapproving a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) within the Department of Justice. The rule in question pertains to the definition of "Engaged in the Business" as a dealer in firearms. The resolution seeks to nullify this ATF rule under the authority granted by chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which governs congressional disapproval of federal regulations. The bill was introduced in the House and was ordered to be reported with a recorded vote of 14 in favor and 9 against. However, the bill ultimately failed or expired and did not become law. No official summary or full text of the bill is provided in the available data.
HJRES 144 attempted to overturn an ATF rule defining who is considered a firearms dealer but did not pass before expiring.
- The resolution targets a specific ATF rule defining the term "Engaged in the Business" as a firearms dealer.
- It uses the congressional disapproval process under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, to nullify the rule.
- The bill was considered in the House and reported with a vote of 14-9 but ultimately failed or expired.
['Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) - clarity on regulatory authority if rule upheld', 'Firearms dealers and related businesses - affected by the definition of engaged in the business', 'Congress - exercising oversight over federal regulatory actions']
['Lack of full bill text and official summary limits detailed understanding of specific provisions and implications.', 'The disapproval of the ATF rule could affect regulatory clarity and enforcement related to firearms dealers.', 'Potential administrative and legal challenges in implementing or reversing the rule depending on the outcome.']
HJRES 144 was introduced in the House during the 118th Congress as part of the congressional review process allowing Congress to disapprove federal agency rules. The rule under review was issued by the ATF, a DOJ agency, concerning firearms dealer definitions, a topic often subject to legislative and regulatory debate. The resolution was ordered to be reported with a recorded vote but did not advance to become law, reflecting the legislative process and differing views on firearms regulation.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['If enacted, the disapproval could lead to changes in how firearms dealers are regulated and licensed, potentially impacting law enforcement and compliance costs.', 'The resolution process may influence future agency rulemaking by signaling congressional willingness to overturn certain regulatory definitions.', "Failure of the resolution may reinforce the ATF's regulatory authority in this area."]
The absence of an official bill summary and full text limits comprehensive analysis of the resolution's specific provisions and potential impacts. The bill's status as failed or expired indicates it did not become law, but the recorded vote and reporting suggest some legislative engagement. Transparency about the rule being disapproved and the congressional review process is critical for public understanding of regulatory oversight in firearms policy.
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