Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a significant policy reversal on Wednesday, impacting gun ownership rights across the nation.
Breitbart reported that effective immediately, the new rule permits gun owners to request the restoration of their rights from the Department of Justice.
This decision overturned a prohibition set in place by the Schumer Amendment in 1992, which prevented the ATF from utilizing funds to process these restorations.
The original ban stemmed from a legislative amendment introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer on October 6, 1992. This amendment specifically blocked the use of ATF funds for processing applications for relief from federal firearm restrictions under 18 U.S.C. 925(c).
For over three decades, this restriction has prevented individuals from appealing to regain their legally entitled gun ownership rights, effectively placing a permanent ban on certain cases.
The reversal of this policy by AG Bondi not only changes the administrative handling of these petitions but also affects thousands of Americans.
The Gun Owners of America (GOA) has played a pivotal role in challenging the Schumer Amendment since it was enacted. Aidan Johnston, the director of federal affairs for GOA, emphasized that his organization has been at the forefront of this fight.
"Since its enactment in 1992, Gun Owners of America has been fighting against the 'Schumer Amendment,' which defunded the federal gun rights restoration statute," Johnston stated.
With the amendment now effectively bypassed, GOA has publicly praised Attorney General Bondi's actions, believing it to be a substantial victory for gun rights in America.
The rule change modifies Department of Justice regulations concerning the ATF’s procedures in handling requests for relief from the disabilities imposed by federal firearms laws. This amendment includes a withdrawal of related delegations within the ATF.
Published in the federal registry on March 20, 2025, and effective immediately, this rule marks a significant change in how gun rights are managed post-conviction or ruling that initially prohibited gun ownership.
This development is anticipated to lead to increased petitions from individuals seeking to restore their firearm rights.
AG Bondi's decision aligns with President Trump's broader executive order aimed at Protecting Second Amendment Rights. This order seeks to repeal what it views as infringements on the constitutional rights of Americans.
“GOA and thousands of would-be gun owners are grateful to President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for once again allowing gun owners to petition to have their gun rights restored by the Department of Justice. We hope to see many more infringements repealed as the federal government carries out President Trump’s executive order,” Johnston conveyed.
The expectation from groups like the GOA is that this is just the beginning of a broader rollback of restrictions on gun ownership in the U.S.
As the new rule takes effect, attention now turns to the broader implications for gun legislation in the United States. With active groups like the GOA continuing to push for more comprehensive reforms, discussions and legislative changes regarding the Second Amendment are likely to remain a significant part of the national conversation.