Firearm Access During Shutdown Act introduced in Congress

On October 30th, 2025, Senator Jim Risch [R-ID] introduced the Firearm Access During Shutdown Act (S.3085), with Congressman Ben Cline [R-VA-6] introducing the companion legislation in the U.S. House (H.R. 5874).

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act mandates that federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), maintain essential operations for processing firearm background checks and licensing applications during any lapse in appropriations. Currently, shutdowns force these agencies to suspend a variety of operations, delaying lawful sales and transfers for responsible owners, and burdening small businesses that comply with federal regulations.

“While the Trump Administration has made the processing of NFA items an essential function during a government shutdown, there is still no guarantee under federal law. The Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans must not be harmed due to a Democrat lead shutdown in Washington,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “NRA applauds Representative Cline and Senator Risch for introducing the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, which will ensure firearms related processes within the Federal government continue and are deemed essential, regardless of the situation in Washington."

“The government shutdown has real impacts on real people, but it certainly should not compromise our constitutional rights. While Democrats pander to their far-Left base, federal agencies have stopped processing firearm applications, unjustly restricting law-abiding Idahoans’ Second Amendment rights,” said Senator Jim Risch. “My Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures our right to lawfully bear arms is not infringed when there is a lapse in appropriations.”

“Law-abiding Americans shouldn’t lose their Second Amendment rights every time Washington fails to do its job. The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that government dysfunction doesn’t stand in the way of lawful firearm purchases or penalize small businesses that follow the law. I’m proud to introduce this commonsense bill alongside Senator Jim Risch to ensure citizens’ rights are protected and lawful commerce continues, shutdown or not,” said Rep. Ben Cline.

NRA-ILA will continue to update you as this important legislation makes its way through the legislative process.