José E. Serrano: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. This reduction would have a significant impact on public safety. The ATF would be…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. This reduction would have a significant impact on public safety. The ATF would be investigating fewer firearm traffickers and violent gangs. They would be unable to respond effectively to theft burglaries from Federal firearms licensees. These cuts would weaken the ATF's ability to do its primary responsibilities: combat violent crime and regulate the firearms and explosive industries. Not surprisingly, a reduction of this magnitude would result in approximately 400 employees being laid off. According to the ATF, that means they would have to eliminate approximately 200 special agents, 65 industry operations investigators, and 135 professional technical positions. The elimination of these positions at ATF directly degrades the Department's capacity to combat violent firearm crimes and regulate the firearms and explosives industries. I just think that this is not a proper amendment at this time or, for that matter, at any time, and I join the chairman in agreeing on this.”