Bill · H.R. 5874· House(119-HR-5874)

Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act

Age: 54 years

Virginia

Introduced: 10/31/2025
Last activity: 10/31/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by: Ben Cline
Cosponsors: - 111 - 0

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is called the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act. It ensures that specific federal government operations relating to firearms law enforcement and firearm export licensing continue during a lapse in appropriations. Under this bill, these operations, functions, and services are deemed to relate to an emergency involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. The employees carrying out these specific functions are deemed to be excepted employees during a government shutdown. The affected services include the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It also covers the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls regarding firearms and firearm-related products.

Yes· 3 of 7

Would gun owners be better off under this?+7
Ensures legal acquisition and background checks are not halted by government shutdowns.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Ensures firearm exporters and dealers can operate without shutdown disruptions.
Does this protect the right to own guns?+5
Ensures citizens can continue to legally acquire firearms via background checks during a shutdown.