The Commerce Department has unveiled new restrictions on U.S. firearms exports in a bid to curb the flow of guns into the hands of drug traffickers and criminals in other countries. This move comes after a shift in oversight from the State Department to the Commerce Department during the Trump administration, a decision that has sparked political debate in Washington.
President Joe Biden had promised to review this change during his campaign, and now, the Commerce Department is taking action to tighten regulations on gun exports. The department had previously halted gun exports, drawing criticism from various quarters, but it has now announced plans to resume exports with stricter rules in place starting May 30.
Under the new regulations, most export licenses will be denied to commercial entities in 36 countries identified as high-risk for illegal gun trafficking or activities that threaten U.S. national security. Additionally, the Commerce Department will enhance monitoring of sales and reduce the validity of export licenses from four years to one year.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of safeguarding America's national security by preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands. She highlighted the risks posed by firearms exports that are misused to undermine U.S. interests and fuel violence globally.
These changes are expected to impact approximately $40 million of the $600 million in international sales generated by U.S. gun manufacturers annually. The move has garnered support from lawmakers like Rep. Joaquin Castro, who has long advocated for stricter controls on gun exports to prevent the spread of America's gun violence epidemic.
The Commerce Department's efforts aim to address concerns about the misuse of U.S.-made firearms and reinforce national security measures to combat criminal activities and terrorism. By implementing these new restrictions, the department seeks to mitigate the risks associated with firearms exports and uphold U.S. foreign policy interests.
