Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025
Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would require the federal government to keep certain firearm-related operations running even during a government shutdown. Specifically, it would maintain services related to criminal background checks for gun purchases (through the FBI), firearms enforcement activities (through the ATF), and the processing of applications for exporting firearms and firearm-related products (through the Commerce and State Departments). Currently, these services may be suspended or limited when the government shuts down due to budget disagreements. **Who it affects:** The bill would impact gun buyers (who would still be able to have background checks processed), gun sellers and manufacturers, and people in the firearms industry seeking export licenses.
It could also affect federal agencies managing these programs. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator James Risch (R-ID) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It has not been passed into law.
CRS Official Summary
Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025This bill requires various federal agencies to continue certain operations, functions, and services related to firearms during a government shutdown.The bill applies to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Instant Criminal Background Check System, including the processing of background checks in support of the operations of the Directorate of Enforcement Programs and Services of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF);the ATF's Directorate of Enforcement Programs and Services;the activities of the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security relating to firearms and firearm-related products, including activities related to processing of applications for export licenses; andthe activities of the Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls relating to firearms and firearm-related products, including activities related to processing of applications for export licenses.Under the bill, (1) these operations, functions, and services are deemed to relate to an emergency involving the safety of human life or the protection of property; and (2) employees carrying out the operations, functions, and services are deemed to be excepted employees. (Under an exception in the Antideficiency Act, an employee whose duties involve the safety of human life or the protection of property may be required to work during a government shutdown. Employees who are required to work during a government shutdown because they fall under this or other exceptions are known as excepted employees.)
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.