SLC Times

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has called on the Biden Administration to end the pause on issuing new export licenses for American firearms manufacturers by the Department of Commerce. The pause, initiated on October 27, 2023, was intended to enhance national security interests but has caused financial harm without clear security benefits. Despite expectations that the pause would last around 90 days, it remains in effect, with no indication of when it will be lifted.

In a joint effort, Sen. Lee was joined by several other senators in urging the Commerce Department to take action. According to the press release, the letter was also signed by Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), James E. Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).

The senators have expressed concerns about the ongoing pause on gun export licenses and its negative impact on businesses in the industry. The lack of clarity on when the pause will be lifted has added to the uncertainty faced by manufacturers.

The press release does not specify a response from the Commerce Department to the letter. The senators are seeking to end the pause and resume the issuance of export licenses to support American firearms manufacturers.