Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Cotton released the following statement on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) decision to withdraw a proposedban on ammunition used in the AR-15 rifle: 

"I am pleased with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' decision not to pursue a proposed ban at this time, but rest assured I will remain a vigilant defender of Arkansans' Second Amendment rights. I commend Senator Grassley on his leadership and action and will continue to work with him on this important issue". 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' decision came just 1 day after 53 Republican Senators, including Senator Cotton, sent a letter condemning the proposal to ban ammunition used in the popular AR-15 rifle. This class of ammunition, primarily used for sporting purposes, is protected under a 1986 Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act exemption. In the letter, the Senators contend the "Framework" does not follow LEOPA and express concern for its impact on Second Amendment rights.