Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act

This legislation aims to prevent the Internal Revenue Service from possessing firearms and ammunition, while also reassigning its criminal investigation responsibilities. It explicitly prohibits the IRS from using any funds to purchase, receive, or store firearms or ammunition, with this restriction taking effect 120 days after enactment.

Furthermore, the bill requires the IRS to transfer all currently owned or controlled firearms and ammunition to the Administrator of General Services within the same 120-day period. The Administrator is then directed to initiate the sale or auction of these firearms to licensed dealers and ammunition to the general public, with all proceeds deposited into the Treasury for deficit reduction.

A significant provision of the bill transfers the administration and enforcement of criminal provisions related to internal revenue laws from the IRS to the Attorney General. This includes moving the authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the IRS's Criminal Investigation Division to the Department of Justice, where it will operate as a distinct entity within the Criminal Division. This transfer of criminal investigatory powers is set to become effective 90 days after the bill's enactment.