Congressman Williams Introduces Legislation to Restore Efficiency and Transparency to the ATF
September 30, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the Reducing Unnecessary Slowdowns in Handling (RUSH) Act. This legislation codifies clear, statutory timelines for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to approve license and permit applications.
“Under the Biden Administration, we witnessed the weaponization of the agency’s approval process. By being inconsistent, burdensome, and lacking transparency, Biden's ATF stood in the way of law-abiding citizens receiving permits they are eligible for,” said Congressman Roger Williams. “The RUSH Act will protect the efficiency, accountability, and fairness that the Trump Administration has worked to implement, without increasing government spending. It is our responsibility to ensure law-abiding Americans and businesses will not suffer unnecessary delays under future administrations.”
Background:
- Under current law, the ATF has no statutory deadlines for license and permit approvals, leaving applicants uncertain and often waiting months without clear explanations.
- The RUSH Act sets firm timelines: 60 days for Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs) and 90 days for all other ATF-granted permits, including explosives licenses.
- The bill mandates quarterly reports to Congress and the public outlining application processing times, reasons for denials, and reasons for delays.
- By holding the ATF accountable, the legislation improves transparency and consistency without increasing federal spending.
Supporting Organizations: Institute of Makers of Explosives
Original Cosponsor: Barry Moore (AL-1)
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Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.
Issues:Second Amendment