Federal Bills Introduced to Safeguard Second
Amendment Rights During Government Shutdowns

When Congress fails to keep the federal government funded, everyday Americans feel the ripple effects. However, a government shutdown should never hinder law-abiding citizens' Constitutional rights, especially including their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

During lapses in federal appropriations funding forcing federal government shutdowns like the one currently happening, federal agencies deemed "non-essential" are required to suspend Second Amendment-critical activities, including licensing and application processing and more. To be clear, FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verifications for the purchase of a firearm are usually still processed, though there can often be significant delays. However, most other Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) services to the firearm industry are not fully staffed, including National Firearms Act (NFA) Division for commercial activity, Firearm and Ammunition Technology Division (FATD), Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) and more. These closures can greatly impact the firearm industry and Americans' ability to exercise that fundamental right.

The Second Amendment doesn't include an asterisk that reads, "Void during budget disagreements." Yet that's precisely the downstream effect government shutdowns have on the firearm industry.

Thanks to the leadership of two Members of Congress, though, that disruption may soon be remedied. …