Lawmakers seek repeal of revised gun-making fee with wider parameters

To urge repeal of a new firearms regulation forcing gunsmiths to pay thousands in fees, three legislators recently appealed to Secretary of State John Kerry in a letter highlighting the law’s adverse impact on business.
 
U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Steve Daines (R-MT) joined U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) to describe how the International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR) hurt hobbyists and small enterprises.
 
First passed in 1976, ITAR controls the import and export of defense-related materials and services. The lawmakers said the current iteration, which went into effect July 22, incorrectly defines gunsmithing as “manufacturing” of a weapon, thus mandating that the gunsmith pay a registration fee of $2,250.
 
"The vast majority of our constituents engaged in gunsmithing make little to no income from their activities and often do it as a hobby or side business," the trio said in their letter. "They most certainly do not export firearms. They also do not manufacture firearms in any widely understood sense of the term. Therefore, it makes no sense for them to be required to pay $2,250 and register under AECA and ITAR."
 
The letter asked Kerry to give the matter his immediate attention, saying constituents deserve clarity.
 
"We believe the guidance effectively expands ITAR registration requirements and should be rescinded immediately," the trio said. "The last thing (gunsmiths) need is an edict from the federal government imposing crippling fees and requirements which are wholly unnecessary and nonsensical.”