U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Jim Risch (R-ID) have introduced the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, a bill aimed at ensuring that federal agencies continue to process firearm applications and licenses during government shutdowns. The legislation seeks to protect the ability of law-abiding gun owners to exercise their Second Amendment rights even when there is a lapse in federal appropriations.
Senator Cassidy stated, “The Constitution doesn’t stop working when the government shuts down. The right to protect your family is God-given. We should process these applications regardless of the Schumer Shutdown.”
Senator Risch added, “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. My Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures our right to lawfully bear arms is not infringed when there is a lapse in appropriations.”
Other senators supporting the bill include Mike Crapo (R-ID), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).
During previous government shutdowns, agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have paused most operations related to background checks and licensing for firearms. This has affected lawful gun owners and disrupted firearm sales across the country.
