Political Quotes

“Mr. President, for Montanans, gunsmithing goes hand-in- hand with hunting and sport shooting. Sometimes the difference between a successful hunt and an unfulfilled tag can be a needed modification on a rifle. Throughout Montana and across America, hundreds of thousands of gunsmiths make sure that our firearms are setup to our custom specifications. Many of these gunsmiths do so as a side project or hobby, making a little extra income in the process. Recently, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, DDTC, issued guidance that changed the definition of a manufacturer under the International Traffic m Arms Regulations, ITAR, to be so broad that could include these gunsmiths and require them to register as manufacturers, which includes an annual $2,250 fee. ITAR was intended to control the production and exportation of products essential to our national security, such as those intended only for military use, but not to unnecessarily hinder American business and innovation or undermine the Second Amendment. That is why I am proud to introduce the Export Control Reform Act of 2016 with my colleague Senator Capito. The bill transfers regulatory responsibility for common, domestic firearms and related items from the Department of State to the Commerce Department, to be regulated like any other commercial business--allowing small business to continue to serve hunters and sports shooters. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.…”