Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.543 - Iron Pipeline Review Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 543, the Iron Pipeline Review Act, directs the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to report on firearms trafficking along the I-95 corridor. The ATF would be required to submit an annual report to the Judiciary Committees of both the House and Senate. This report would detail the number of firearms trafficked, their origin, make, and model, and analyze the effectiveness of counter-trafficking measures and relevant laws.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to enhance understanding and counter firearms trafficking along the I-95 corridor. By requiring regular reports, the bill seeks to inform legislative and law enforcement strategies. This could lead to more targeted interventions and resource allocation to combat illegal firearms movement.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved data collection and analysis on firearms trafficking.
  • Enhanced collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement.
  • Informed policy-making through regular reporting to Congress.
  • Potential for more effective counter-trafficking measures.
  • Increased public awareness of firearms trafficking issues.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased administrative burden on the ATF.
  • Possible duplication of existing reporting efforts.
  • Limited scope focusing solely on the I-95 corridor.
  • No guarantee that recommendations will be implemented.
  • Potential for political bias in the report's findings or recommendations.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution by promoting public safety and domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble. Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for addressing firearms trafficking across state lines. The Second Amendment right to bear arms is not directly infringed, as the bill focuses on illegal trafficking rather than lawful gun ownership.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).