1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am a constituent writing to express my serious concern about the recent package of ATF regulatory changes rolling back dozens of federal firearm safety rules, reported publicly on July 5, 2026. Two provisions alarm me most. First, the proposal to restore gun access to more people with a history of serious mental illness. By the agency’s own cost analysis, this change carries a public safety risk that could range from minimal to severe, “up to and including potential mass casualty events.” The rule would also extend gun eligibility to individuals unable to manage their own financial affairs. These are not decisions that should be loosened without rigorous safeguards. Second, I am concerned about the weakening of oversight on private and online firearm transactions, including changes that undermine background-check requirements at gun shows and for certain private sales. These checks exist to stop straw purchases and to keep firearms away from prohibited buyers. Loosening them makes it easier for guns to reach dangerous hands.