BIS Plans to Rescind Biden Firearms Export Rule, Sparking Democratic Criticism

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) rescinded a Biden-era rule that restricted exports of American-made firearms, ammunition, and components, restoring the firearms export licensing framework to its pre-2024 status. This action, effective September 30, 2025, eliminates documentation requirements, removes congressional notification for high-value semi-automatic firearm exports, and abolishes the special "high-risk" country designation among other changes. Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Joaquin Castro, criticize this decision as a "gift to violent cartels and drug traffickers," arguing it could empower criminal and terrorist organizations and exacerbate violence, especially in the Caribbean, where 73% of firearms recovered in crimes were sourced from the U.S. The Biden-era restrictions aimed to curb the flow of American firearms into illegal markets, a move supported by various NGOs warning that loosening controls risks fueling regional instability and violence. Lawmakers have demanded explanations from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting concerns that unrestricted exports could undermine efforts to combat transnational crime and violence.