Lummis, Donnelly Bill Blocks State Department Interference in Collectible Firearm Sale

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) introduced H.R. 615, the Collectable Firearms Protection Act. The bill would prevent the State Department from interfering with the legal importation of surplus collectible firearms from South Korea that were originally made in the U.S.

"These firearms have historical value, are legal, and their importation is already regulated by the Justice Department. The State Department's authority on this matter has no grounds and its denial of legal firearms from law-abiding citizens is contrary to the Second Amendment. This is not about diplomacy, it's about Americans' fundamental right to keep and bear arms," Lummis said.

"The right of law-abiding American citizens to import these historical firearms should not be complicated with unnecessary over-regulation," said Donnelly. "This common-sense change simply lets the Justice Department do its job and removes the State Department from the process."

Background:

In 2009, the administration approved the importation and sale of collectible, American-made M1 Garand rifles and M1 carbines from South Korea. However, the administration reversed itself early last year, deciding instead to prevent these rifles -- legal to make and purchase in the United States -- from entering the country.

The State Department's actions undermine the will of Congress, which has expressly authorized these types of transactions in the Arms Control Export Act. H.R. 615 would remove jurisdiction by the State Department and the Department of Defense over these imports, which are already regulated by the Justice Department through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE). These collectable firearms would still be treated like any other modern, legal firearm. BATFE licensing, record-keeping, and background checks are required prior to retail sales.

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