Budget bill to avoid government shutdown includes ATF prohibition from using data to analyze gun crimes

Several pro-gun measures have found their way into a Senate bill meant to prevent the federal government from shutting down, according to an Associated Press report on Wednesday.

The provisions include one that would prevent the reclassification of antique guns, which are often easier to sell between individuals. Two other provisions are meant to hinder the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from using firearm data to analyze gun crimes, as well as prevent the Justice Department from denying dealer licenses to firearm business that report selling no firearms.

According to the AP, anonymous senate aids said "the annual spending bill financing the Justice Department has carried six pro-gun provisions that Congress has enacted for a year at a time."

The inclusion of non-related provisions into larger bills is not an uncommon practice. Besides ensuring financial benefits, such large bills often contain language affecting federal regulation and policy.

(Image via Shuttershock)