Bill · S. 2191· Senate(119-S-2191)
AMMO Act
- Introduced
- 6/26/2025
- Last activity
- 6/26/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Elizabeth Warren
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The AMMO Act aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to regulate the sale and transfer of ammunition. It requires federal licenses for those dealing in ammunition and implements stricter recordkeeping and reporting standards. The bill introduces prohibitions on the straw purchasing of ammunition and restricts bulk sales of certain calibers. Additionally, it mandates background checks through the NICS system for ammunition transfers from certain licensees to non-licensees. Finally, the act provides for increased funding to upgrade and maintain the national instant criminal background check system.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+7
The bill strengthens gun control by regulating ammunition sales, requiring background checks, and banning straw purchases.
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands federal authority over ammunition sales through new licensing and background check mandates.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires the ATF to publish public reports on ammunition sale violations and trends.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Does this protect the right to own guns?-6
The bill imposes new restrictions on the purchase and transfer of ammunition, which impacts firearm owners.
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
Ammunition dealers face increased compliance costs and strict penalties for violations.
Would gun owners be better off under this?-5
The bill introduces significant restrictions on the volume and process of ammunition purchases for gun owners.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Oversight of Ammunition Sales: The bill requires federal licenses for those dealing in ammunition and mandates specific recordkeeping for certain licensees (Section 2 and Section 3).
-
Prevention of Ammunition Straw Purchasing: The bill amends the law to include ammunition in the prohibition of straw purchasing (Section 4).
-
Controls on Large Volume Purchases: The act limits the amount of ammunition a person can acquire during a 5-day period without specific written certification, such as limiting .50 caliber to 100 rounds or other calibers to 1,000 rounds (Section 5(a)(1)).
-
Identity Verification: It requires buyers to present valid identification documents to licensees for certain transactions (Section 5(a)(2)(A)).
-
Background Check Requirements: Certain licensees must contact the national instant criminal background check system before completing ammunition transfers to ensure the recipient is not prohibited from receiving it (Section 6(a)(1)).
-
Enhanced System Capabilities: The bill authorizes up to $150,000,000 to upgrade and maintain the NICS system (Section 6(d)).
-
Public Information and Trend Tracking: The Director of the ATF is required to publish reports on ammunition sale violations, including data that could be useful to law enforcement (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Purchasing Volume: Licensed individuals are prohibited from transferring more than 100 rounds of .50 caliber or 1,000 rounds of other calibers in a 5-day period without specific documentation (Section 5(a)(1)).
-
Strict Identification and Documentation Burdens: Buyers must provide a valid identification document, a unique number, and a signature, as well as complete a form prescribed by the Attorney General (Section 5(a)(2)(A)).
-
Penalties for Licensed Dealers: Licensees face significant fines, such as $50,000 to $250,000 for certain violations, and may have their licenses revoked (Section 5(b)).
-
Penalties for Buyers: Individuals who make false or fictitious statements during a purchase can face fines of up to $50,000 and up to 5 years in prison (Section 5(b)(2)).
-
Mandatory Background Checks and Notice: Licensees must perform background checks through NICS and provide specific notices to buyers, which may impact the ease of transfer (Section 6(a)(1)).
-
Civil Penalties for Signage: Licensees may be subject to a $10,000 civil penalty for failing to post required signage regarding ammunition restrictions (Section 5(c)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-5Good For Gun Owners-5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Small Business Support-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights-3Improves Privacy Rights-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+7Improves Second Amendment Protections-6
- 10/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/26/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey