Legislation Search

H.R. 5874: Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act

This bill, known as the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, aims to ensure that certain firearm-related operations and services continue during a federal government shutdown. Its primary focus is on maintaining essential functions that pertain to the enforcement of firearm laws and the processing of firearm export licenses.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines the following main points:

Emergency Operations: It describes that specific operations and services related to firearms are considered essential for human safety and property protection during emergencies, allowing them to continue even when the government is shut down.
Designated Operations: The bill specifies which operations are covered, including:

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which facilitates background checks on individuals attempting to purchase firearms.
The activities of the Directorate of Enforcement Programs and Services within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The Bureau of Industry and Security, particularly concerning applications for exporting firearms and related products.
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls within the Department of State, which also processes applications related to firearm exports.

Impact on Government Employees

Employees involved in these operations during a shutdown would be classified as "excepted employees," meaning they are required to work without pay until the government reopens. This classification helps ensure that critical services related to firearm laws and regulations remain operational.

Overall Goal

The overarching intention of the bill is to maintain public safety and support the continuation of firearm-related oversight during times when other government functions may be halted due to a lack of funding or appropriations.

Relevant Companies

None found

This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Actions

2 actions

Date	Action
Oct. 31, 2025	Introduced in House
Oct. 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.

Corporate Lobbying

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Potentially Relevant Congressional Stock Trades

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