03.10.15

Hoeven: ATF Withdraws Proposed M855 Ammunition Ban

Hoeven, 52 Other Senators Pressed ATF to Drop Proposal

WASHINGTON – Following pressure from Senator John Hoeven and 52 other senators, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) today announced that it will not finalize a proposal to ban M855 ammunition. ATF had proposed to redefine the ammunition as “armor piercing,” which would have made it illegal to manufacture or distribute the bullets under the Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act. Hoeven signed on to a letter led by Senator Chuck Grassley to ATF Director B. Todd Jones that expressed serious concerns with the agency’s proposal.

“We appreciate that ATF has been responsive and withdrawn its proposal to ban M855 ammunition,” said Hoeven. “Like many North Dakotans, I was concerned by the ATF’s plan, which would have prevented law-abiding citizens from accessing ammunition that is widely used in hunting and other recreational activities. As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I will continue working to guarantee the rights of law-abiding Americans.”

The ATF’s announcement can be found here. 

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