Bill > S3085

This bill ensures that certain critical firearm-related government operations continue functioning during a government shutdown, specifically maintaining the operations of key federal agencies responsible for firearms background checks, licensing, and export controls. The bill defines four specific government functions that would be deemed essential during a lapse in appropriations: (1) the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) managed by the FBI, which processes background checks for firearm purchases, (2) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) Enforcement Programs and Services Directorate, (3) the Bureau of Industry and Security's firearms and firearm-related product export licensing activities, and (4) the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls' firearms export licensing processes. By classifying these operations as essential services related to human safety and property protection, the bill ensures that employees in these roles would be considered "excepted employees" who continue working during a government shutdown, thus maintaining critical infrastructure for firearm-related regulatory and licensing functions.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3085/all-info