GIFFORDS responds to report Trump admin considering merger of ATF and DEA

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, responded to the Reuters’ report that the Trump administration is considering merging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). 

“Cutting resources from ATF would literally be defunding the police,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “The ATF’s mission is to stop violent gun crime and keep the public safe. Cutting agents by merging the two agencies would reduce resources, weakening efforts to stop gun traffickers, straw purchasers, and gun dealers who are breaking the law. The American people want to stop gun crime and violence, which is the number one killer of kids and young people. Instead of making unnecessary cuts, ATF should be fully funded and staffed so it can do its jobs and save lives.”