On June 14, 2023, a federal investigation led to an unexpected search of a firearms retailer in Montana. While routine audits are often warranted, the specific incident involving Highwood Creek Outfitters in Great Falls, Montana, has caused a stir. Not only did two dozen armed IRS agents scrutinize the establishment's financial records for an entire day, they also confiscated Form 4473s, which contain a plethora of personal information about gun buyers.
Such actions by the government have raised concerns about the extensive power bestowed upon bureaucratic agencies managed by non-elected officials. Nonetheless, the Biden Administration continues to assert that such interventions and assertive actions against private citizens are necessary for the safety of the general public.
In the wake of this episode, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R) expressed his concerns in a letter to the IRS, seeking further details about the event. The letter highlighted the confiscation of sensitive documents, the involvement of armed agents, and the community's resulting anxiety and worry.
However, not all hope is lost as there are individuals in the Congress who continue to uphold the Constitution and the rights of Americans. Republican Congressman Matt Rosendale of Montana's 2nd District, along with 11 co-sponsors, proposed H.R.4436 merely two weeks after the incident. This bill aims to prevent the IRS from arming its employees.
On the same day, June 30, 2023, Congressman Clay Higgins from Louisiana introduced H.R.4416 with the support of eight co-sponsors. This bill seeks to restrict the use of federal funds for hiring armed regulatory enforcement officers within certain agencies.
Details of these two bills are as follows:
H.R.4436 — 118th Congress (2023-2024): Aims to prohibit the IRS from arming its employees among other things. It was introduced by Matthew M. Rosendale Sr. [Rep.-R-MT-2] and co-sponsored by 11 others. The bill was then referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on the Judiciary.
H.R.4416 — 118th Congress (2023-2024): Seeks to limit the use of Federal funds for the recruitment of armed Federal enforcement officers within specific agencies. Introduced by Clay Higgins [Rep.-R-LA-3] with the support of eight co-sponsors, it was referred to multiple committees for consideration.
Should legislation be required to prevent governmental infringement on citizens' rights? Certainly not. However, given the perceived radical influence within the White House and the Democratic party, such preventative measures appear to be necessary.
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