Representative James Comer, chair of the U.S. House Oversight
Committee on Tuesday, asked Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for
documents and communications saying the committee wants "a full
accounting of this action and how it will impact U.S. firearms
manufacturers and the jobs that industry provides."
The Commerce Department's 90-day pause on export licenses for
firearms and ammunition sales to non-governmental users has some
exemptions including export licenses for Ukraine and Israel, as
well as some other close allies.
The Commerce Department, which did not immediately respond to a
request for comment, said in October an urgent review would
assess the "risk of firearms being diverted to entities or
activities that promote regional instability, violate human
rights, or fuel criminal activities."
Comer's letter seeks a range of material including all documents
and communications between the Commerce Department and the White
House on the issue by Dec. 13 and a staff briefing by Dec. 6.
Earlier this month, 46 Republican senators including Mitch
McConnell and John Thune said they had "significant concerns
about the justifications for and ramifications of this pause"
and said it "puts at stake U.S. commercial and economic
interests" as well as U.S. national security and foreign policy.
The senators cited an industry association estimate of a direct
cost of at least $89 million from the 90-day pause.
Republican Representative Mark Green, who chairs the Homeland
Security Committee, similarly led a separate letter earlier this
month from more than 80 lawmakers seeking answers on the pause.
The Republican party has consistently defended gun ownership
rights under the U.S. Constitution, while many Democrats have
called for new restrictions after a series of mass shootings.
The halt covers most of the guns and ammunition that could be
purchased in a U.S. gun store.
Overseas customers include distributors and stores that sell
firearms.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese; Editing
by Sonali Paul)
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