NATIONAL NEWS
Big 2A News Today! The ATF has a new boss! Daniel Driscoll, the current Secretary of the Army, was appointed by Trump today to also man the position of Acting Director of the ATF. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (HERE) today thanked Kash Patel for his interim role as Acting ATF Director and praised Trump’s appointment of Driscoll:
“President Trump’s decision to appoint Acting Director Driscoll is indicative of his resolve to bring reform to the ATF and protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and the industry that makes it possible to exercise those rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel.”
The article also recounted the previous administration’s weaponization of the ATF and expressed confidence in Driscoll’s appointment:
“NSSF is deeply appreciative of FBI Director Kash Patel’s service to lead the ATF as Acting Director for nearly two months in his interim role and the recognition, along with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, that the ATF was weaponized by the previous administration to carry out a radical gun control agenda. The firearm industry is confident that President Trump’s appointment of Acting Director Driscoll to lead the ATF will return the bureau to its proper role as a law enforcement agency laser focused on combatting violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking, and to act as a non-partisan regulator of the firearm industry.”
…The firearm industry is confident that President Trump’s appointment of Acting Director Driscoll to lead the ATF will return the bureau to its proper role as a law enforcement agency laser focused on combatting violent crime and illegal firearms trafficking, and to act as a non-partisan regulator of the firearm industry.”
All of this sounds promising, but for a deeper dive, let’s go to Mark Smith at Four Boxes Diner (HERE). He provides more background about the personnel shuffle, saying that Marvin Richardson, Deputy Director of the ATF, is also out, after being at the ATF for ‘several decades’. He was the Biden administration’s driving force behind the pistol brace debacle and also made a huge push to go after privately manufactured firearms. Mark Smith refers to an article in Ammoland (HERE) for the details about the shake-up.
Mr. Smith then discusses ways the ATF can be cut and how necessary functions could be reassigned. Overall, this sounds like a positive move.
Also today, The Armed Scholar published a video (HERE) regarding US Attorney General Pam Bondi who announced that she is setting up a Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force with the goal of protecting the Second Amendment, in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order regarding the Second Amendment.
Elections have consequences. Let’s hope these changes are effective at improving the Second Amendment landscape in the United States.
IOWA LEGISLATIVE NEWS
In more good news this week, a little closer to home, the Iowa State Legislature passed a law that changes Iowa gun rights for 18-20 year-olds. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature and she is expected to sign it. This bill had bipartisan support. When signed, it will go into effect July 1, 2025. Watch a video (HERE) from Dubuque station KWWL.
The new law will lower the minimum age for obtaining a concealed carry permit from 21 to 18. Currently, although 18-20 year old Iowans can possess and carry long guns, they are prohibited from carrying or possessing handguns. Because of federal law, 18-20 year-olds will still not be able to purchase a handgun from an FFL. However, when this bill is signed a handgun can be gifted, purchased through a private sale, or received as an inheritance by 18-20 year-olds.
IFC’s Volunteer Lobbyist, Richard Rogers, has worked diligently throughout this legislative session on this, and other bills. It is a daunting task. IFC Members greatly benefit from his knowledge, expertise and persuasiveness! Be sure to thank Richard the next time you see him.
There are other bills we are working to get through the Legislature as well. Please watch our social media for the latest updates, and IFC’s Action Alerts Center will have the latest Action Alerts when it’s time to reach out to your respective Representatives.
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Please stay Ready at All Times, and help us defend all of Iowa’s rights by renewing or joining IFC today.
Second Amendment Matters
Katie Howard
Iowa Firearms Coalition
#2A4IA
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