Key Findings
- The National Rifle Association has long been at war with ATF.
- The debacle at Waco and the more recent Fast and Furious operation have exposed leadership deficiencies at the agency.
- ATF’s budget has remained stagnant in recent years, while the FBI and DEA have enjoyed substantial hikes.
- Congress has placed multiple “riders” in ATF’s appropriation bill that dramatically limit the bureau’s ability to conduct investigations.
- Firearms dealers subject to ATF regulation generally are inspected by agents no more than once every five years.
- Weak laws and modest penalties make federal prosecutors hesitant to accept ATF gun trafficking cases.