Nashville Standard

Rep. Mark Green, along with Senator Mike Lee and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, is urging the Trump administration to revoke a rule from the Biden-Harris era that restricts the export of American-made firearms. The rule, established by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), limits firearm export licenses to one year, significantly increasing administrative burdens for manufacturers.

Rep. Green expressed concerns about the financial impact on American firearm manufacturers: "The Biden-Harris administration’s interim final rule on issuance and renewal of export licenses for certain firearms, related components, and ammunition has now lasted almost a year. With the confirmation of Secretary Lutnick, I trust that this interim final rule (IFR) will come to an end."

Senator Lee criticized federal agencies for limiting Second Amendment rights: "For too long, federal agencies have tried to constrict our Second Amendment rights indirectly, in this case by hurting law-abiding gun manufacturers by severely limiting their ability to export firearms."

A letter signed by 85 Congressional Republicans highlights that the IFR costs nearly $500 million annually to the firearms industry without advancing U.S. interests or regional stability. It calls for prioritizing its rescission to restore lawful commerce.

The BIS rule issued on April 30, 2024, after a 90-day pause, requires more frequent license renewals and increases processing demands without additional staffing. This has created uncertainty for businesses investing in long-term contracts.

Rep. Green has introduced legislative measures like the Congressional Review Act resolution and Stop the BIS RULE Act aimed at repealing these restrictions.