WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and 16 Republican colleagues introduced the bicameral Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (FICRA) to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing interstate firearms transactions. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) introduced a companion measure in May.
Federal regulations prohibit any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector to sell or deliver any firearm to an individual who does not reside in the state in which the licensee’s place of business is located. The legislation seeks to allow interstate firearm transactions, implement permit dealer flexibility, redefine residency definition for armed forces and federal employees, and ensure firearm transactions adhere to the Constitution, while complying with state laws and regulations.
“It’s time to reverse the antiquated firearm purchasing laws restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill respects our constitutional liberties while promoting responsible gun ownership.”
“The Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens should not dissipate at state lines,” said Senator Cramer. “For decades, outdated regulations have placed unnecessary burdens on our nation’s federal firearm purchasing laws. The Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act fortifies Second Amendment liberties by ensuring citizens can purchase and bear arms nationwide. It also enhances lawful commerce and supports our military members and their families, all while respecting states’ laws and regulations.”
“Our federal firearm purchasing process is unnecessarily complicated and is unfair for law-abiding citizens, small businesses, and our service members willing to put their lives on the line for our country. The need to modernize and simplify our federal firearm purchasing laws is long overdue and I’m pleased this bill will finally right this wrong,” said House Majority Leader Scalise.
Cassidy and Cramer are joined by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and John Thune (R-SD) in introducing the legislation.
The Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act is endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
“This legislation would modernize the way firearms are sold under federal law and remove arbitrary barriers for law-abiding gun buyers and sellers,” said Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “On behalf of the NRA’s millions of freedom-loving members, we applaud this legislation to benefit gun owners nationwide.
“This is common-sense legislation that would allow law-abiding Americans to purchase firearms of their choosing while ensuring state and federal laws are enforced,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Americans are allowed to purchase long guns across state lines. This bill would extend that right to handguns. Your Second Amendment right to acquire and keep a handgun for self-protection does not end at your state’s border. This bill would remove an arbitrary and unconstitutional infringement on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”
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