1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

For decades, federal law required special registration of short-barreled rifles or shotguns, silencers and other easily-concealed weapons. But now, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is ending enforcement of those requirements. Weakening these practical checks will put lives at risk. It creates yet another gap in a system designed to keep firearms out of dangerous hands, making it easier for people who pose a risk to themselves or others to access a sawed-off shotgun or other similar types of extremely deadly weapons. The country cannot afford to move backward on gun safety. Congress must act to strengthen the systems and protect our children and communities.