Treasury Official Blasts NRA on Ads
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WASHINGTON — A Clinton Administration official, in a highly unusual step, has attacked the National Rifle Assn. for vilifying government agents as part of the group’s campaign to overturn laws that restrict the availability of firearms.
In a letter released Saturday, Treasury Undersecretary Ronald K. Noble criticized full-page newspaper advertisements placed last week by the influential pro-gun group that depict the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as a “rogue agency” that “deserves public contempt.”
Noble, who oversees the ATF, said the NRA made false accusations against agents in an attempt to persuade the GOP majority in Congress to repeal restrictions on the availability certain guns.
“The NRA leadership may choose to oppose moderate, reasonable firearms laws,” Noble wrote. “But it is wrong to single out for abuse the courageous agents who enforce laws championed by the President and duly enacted by the people’s elected representatives.”
The letter was sent to the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. NRA officials could not be reached for comment Saturday.
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