The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a stringent new rule aimed at curbing the sale of firearms without background checks. A direct response to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the rule mandates that gun sellers, including those operating online or at gun shows, must now obtain a license and conduct background checks.

The rule, expected to be submitted to the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), targets a significant loophole that has allowed unlicensed dealers to sell firearms unchecked, contributing to the illegal flow of guns and associated violent crime. The Department of Justice estimates this could impact over 20,000 unlicensed sellers who previously evaded the licensing requirement.

Despite the progress, President Biden is still calling on Congress to pass universal background checks and to increase funding for the ATF so the agency can continue to stop the flow of illegal firearms into communities. The president requested $2 billion for ATF as part of his fiscal year 2025 budget request.

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