But don’t mistake this for the final victory. The ATF still exists. And Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) is making it clear: it’s time to go for the kill. The ATF must be abolished—now, while the political iron is hot.
The ATF-DEA merger plan, quietly embedded in the Biden-Trump DOJ’s 2026 budget proposal, was nothing short of a power grab disguised as “bureaucratic streamlining.”
It was a gun control bureaucrat’s dream—and a nightmare for lawful gun owners.
But thanks to fierce grassroots opposition—and pressure from no-compromise fighters like Texas Gun Rights—the House Appropriations Committee inserted clear language in the 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill explicitly banning the DOJ from spending any funds to facilitate such a merger.
In short, they killed it before it could take root.
Budget Gutted, Bureau on Life Support
In the same bill, Congress hammered the ATF’s operating budget, cutting it by more than 25%. Not only that, but the agency now faces steep penalties if it fails to process National Firearms Act (NFA) applications in a timely manner.
If paper applications take more than 120 days or eForms exceed 60 days, the ATF will lose even more funding.
The bill also bans the ATF from enforcing any Biden-era gun control rules, including the universal registry-skirting “frame and receiver” rule, the pistol brace ban, and more.
Additionally, the bill prohibits any taxpayer dollars from being used for red flag gun confiscation laws, gun buyback programs, or coordination with gun control groups to sue law-abiding gun dealers—a clear reference to the Biden administration’s shady partnership with anti-gun activists targeting Glock.
Why the Merger Was a Threat
Let’s be clear: the ATF-DEA merger wasn’t just about bureaucratic reshuffling. It was about creating a hyper-militarized gun control enforcement arm.
Merging ATF with DEA would have given the new agency access to more than 10,000 personnel, expanded military-style Special Response Teams, and a $3.3 billion budget—essentially quadrupling ATF’s footprint overnight.
That’s why Texas Gun Rights rang the alarm bell early and often.
“The merger would have empowered ATF to operate like a domestic army against law-abiding gun owners,” said TXGR President Chris McNutt. “We weren’t going to let that happen. Not on our watch.”
Don’t Just Defund It—Abolish It
While Congress defunded the merger and cut ATF’s budget, the agency still breathes—and that’s a problem.
Even as a shell of its former self, the ATF remains a federal hammer used to pound the rights of gun owners coast to coast as soon as the next anti-gun administration takes control of the White House.
That’s why they’re championing H.R. 221, the bill to eliminate the ATF once and for all. With Republicans holding the House, Senate, and White House, there’s no excuse not to act. But time is running out.
“This is our moment,” McNutt said. “If Republicans squander this opportunity, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves. Gun owners must demand action—now.”
Call to Action
Texas Gun Rights is urging its members and supporters to call their representatives and demand they support H.R. 221.
“Gun owners should not be complacent just because the ATF lost a few battles,” McNutt added. “The agency is wounded—but still dangerous. It’s time to finish the job.”
Sign your petition encouraging President Trump and your lawmakers to Abolish the ATF.
