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Rep. Rosendale Introduces Bill to Prohibit IRS from Purchasing Guns After Armed Raid on Montana Small Business

Washington, June 30, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) introduced the Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from using taxpayer dollars to purchase firearms for its agents following the armed ATF/IRS raid at Highwood Creek Outfitters in Great Falls, Montana.

“Biden's alphabet agencies have no business intimidating hardworking Montanans," said Rep. Rosendale. "The weaponization of our government must end, which is why I am proud to introduce this legislation to prohibit taxpayer funds from being leveraged against the American people.”

Earlier this month, twenty armed agents from the IRS Criminal Investigation Unit and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms closed Highwood Creek Outfitters to search for financial documents. Days after the raid, Rep. Rosendale visited Highwood Creek Outfitters, where he was informed that the IRS confiscated the store's 4473 forms – containing personal, sensitive information of customers and no financial information. Immediately after his visit, Rep. Rosendale sent a letter to ATF Director Dettelbach and IRS Commissioner Werfel demanding answers to the purpose of this unannounced, armed raid.

The Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act:
  • Prohibits the IRS from buying, receiving, or storing guns and ammunition.
  • Transfers all guns and ammunition in the IRS' possession to the General Services Administration within 120 days. Firearms and ammunition will then be auctioned off to Federal Firearms License owners, and proceeds will be used to reduce the federal deficit.
  • Shifts the IRS Criminal Investigation Division within the Department of Justice.
Current House cosponsors include Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-01), Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02), Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15), Rep. Bob Good (VA-05), Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Nancy Mace (SC-01). Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

ICYMI: FOX News Exclusive: Rep Rosendale introduces bill to prohibit IRS from purchasing guns after armed Montana raid.