Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, along with a group of Republican colleagues and legal experts, has filed an amici curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Garland v. Cargill. The brief challenges the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) ban on bump stocks under the National Firearms Act, arguing that it infringes on the rights of law-abiding Montana gun owners.

According to Senator Daines, the ATF's actions represent a dangerous overreach of federal bureaucrats interpreting federal law in ways that Congress did not intend. He states, "Biden has weaponized the ATF to come after law-abiding Montana gun owners and it must be stopped. The Second Amendment is clear—the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, and a ban on bump stocks would threaten Montanans' constitutional right to defend themselves and their families."

Joining Senator Daines in filing the brief are Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, Mike Lee, Kevin Cramer, Pete Ricketts, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mike Rounds, and Markwayne Mullin. Together, they are advocating for the protection of the Second Amendment and the rights of gun owners across the country.

The brief argues that the ATF's ban on bump stocks is not only a violation of Montanans' right to bear arms, but also an example of the Chevron doctrine being used to create new federal crimes. The Chevron doctrine refers to the principle that federal agencies should be given deference in interpreting ambiguous statutes. However, the brief contends that the ATF's interpretation of the National Firearms Act goes beyond what Congress intended and effectively creates new restrictions on gun owners.

This case has significant implications for gun owners not only in Montana but across the United States. It raises questions about the extent to which federal agencies can interpret and enforce laws related to firearms. The outcome of Garland v. Cargill could shape future decisions regarding the Second Amendment and the rights of gun owners.

To read the full brief filed by Senator Daines and his colleagues, click HERE. It is a clear demonstration of their commitment to protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners and ensuring that federal agencies do not overstep their authority in interpreting the law.