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May 3, 2017

NSSF Thanks U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise for Leadership in Urging Export Control Reform


 

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May 3, 2017
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NSSF Thanks U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise for Leadership in Urging Export Control Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) today publicly thanked U.S. House of Representative Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) for his leadership in urging the State and Commerce Departments to complete Export Control Reforms for the firearms and ammunition industry left unfinished by the Obama administration. The effort involves a bipartisan letter circulated by Rep. Scalise that garnered 145 signatures and requests the departments complete the work that would remove burdensome regulations that hurt U.S. businesses and hamper their ability to compete globally.

“NSSF is deeply appreciative of Whip Scalise for his bipartisan leadership in gathering the signatures of over a third of the House of Representatives, urging the Departments of State and Commerce to complete these long overdue reforms,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “The modernization of our nation’s export controls will strengthen national security, allow U.S. manufacturers to compete internationally on a level playing field and help create more good paying American jobs. We look forward to the administration heeding the message of this letter and moving to complete these needed reforms. We additionally thank all House members who signed this letter for their commitment to our industry and our employees.”

The Export Control Reform (ECR) Initiative began eight years ago to remove unnecessary restrictions and allow U.S. businesses to better compete in a global market. However, the firearms industry was left off these reforms. Rules were proposed, and many finalized, for 18 of the 21 export categories. The three that never saw any action were those covering the firearms industry (Category 1 – Firearms, Category 2 – Guns and Category 3 – Ammunition).

Additionally, in July 2016, the State Department issued guidance that classified many gunsmiths as “manufacturers,” requiring them to pay a $2,250 annual fee and register as exporters in compliance with the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This burdensome fee and regulation was imposed without regard to the fact these gunsmiths don’t manufacture or export firearms, but repair them and, for many, it is a side business or even a hobby.

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About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, visit www.nssf.org.

NSSF Media Resources
nssf.org/media
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