H.J.Res. 44 · 118th Congress

Overturns the ATF rule on classifying firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles

Official title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".1

Did not become lawRules for gun accessories and parts

§1What it does

Why this matters: A plain-English description of the bill as it was voted on, written by us from the official summary and text.

Drafted by AI from the public sources cited. Each sentence links to its source.

This joint resolution would overturn a 2023 rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), using the Congressional Review Act, a law that lets Congress cancel recent federal agency rules by passing a resolution of disapproval.2,3 The ATF rule laid out the criteria the agency uses to decide whether a firearm with an attached stabilizing brace that makes it easier to fire from the shoulder counts as a rifle regulated under the National Firearms Act, which brings requirements such as registration.2 If enacted, the resolution would nullify the rule so that it has no legal effect.2

§2Status

StatusLatest action, June 22, 2023: Message on Senate action sent to the House.1
IntroducedMarch 17, 2023
SponsorRep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]
Cosponsors188 cosponsors (188 Republican)
Official recordH.J.Res. 44 on Congress.gov

§3How Congress voted

Why this matters: The official count.

House, June 13, 2023

On Passage: Passed — 219 yes, 210 no, 5 not voting.4

Senate, June 22, 2023

On the Joint Resolution: Joint Resolution Defeated — 49 yes, 50 no, 1 not voting.5