By Tanya Metaksa
What’s New—Trump Administration: Robert Cekada’s nomination as ATF Director; US Congress: Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced that his measure protecting veterans’ Second Amendment rights at previously agreed-upon levels through Jan. 30, 2026; Two bills were introduced: the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) as S. 3085, and U.S. Rep. Ben Cline’s (R-Va.) H.R. 5874. These bills, if passed, would guarantee law-abiding Americans can continue exercising their Second Amendment rights during a government shutdown; Florida: On November 18, 2025, the Criminal Justice Subcommittee voted 11-5 in favor of HB144, Minnesota: During the shutdown, NSSF covered the Minnesota Gun Control Road Show; North Carolina: Last week the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and has scheduled Senate Bill 50 for a vote on Dec. 15.
Trump Administration: ATF Director
In November 2025, pro-Second Amendment groups responded with widespread support and optimism to Robert Cekada’s nomination as ATF Director.
- NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) praised the selection, calling it “encouraging” and saying Cekada is expected to treat the firearms industry as a partner, not an adversary. They expect fair, consistent leadership and collaboration on safety and crime prevention initiatives.
- Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA): Called Cekada the “first ever truly pro-Second Amendment nominee” and urged the Senate to confirm him quickly.
- American Suppressor Association (ASA): Praised Cekada’s record and approach, highlighting his respect for constitutional rights and ongoing partnerships with regulated manufacturers.
- General Sentiment: Many gun rights advocates viewed the nomination as a positive turning point for the ATF, hopeful for more industry-friendly, constitutionally grounded policies, and cautiously optimistic about possible institutional changes.
- The Reload (thereload.com) described Cekada as a career law enforcement officer and ATF insider, not an activist or outsider. They pointed out his rise within the agency, contrasting him with more controversial, outspoken nominees from previous administrations. On the reload podcast with Cam Edwards, Cam made the following comments:
- Cam agreed that Cekada was a much less aggressive pick than the two that former President Joe Biden made. He said picking a career ATF official to head up the ATF is unlikely to please those who want to see the agency change dramatically or even go away altogether. Still, he noted the gun industry is very supportive of Cekada’s nomination and that could help sway other gun-rights advocates.
- Ultimately, he said the pick is likely to keep the ATF on its current trajectory. How people feel about the ATF’s 2025 track record is a good barometer of how they’ll feel about Cekada.
- Industry Response: The Reload reported that industry groups like NSSF and ASA expressed strong support for the nomination, citing Cekada’s experience and willingness to collaborate with the firearms industry. NSSF praised his fairness and view of the industry as a partner, not an adversary.
- Policy Shifts: The Reload highlighted that Cekada played a role in reversing Biden-era policies, such as the “zero tolerance” FFL revocation approach, and was expected to further undo restrictive rules. Cekada was portrayed as understanding the needs of both law enforcement and legal gun owners.
- Overall, the pro-gun community greeted the nomination as a victory for Second Amendment protections and called for swift confirmation.
US Congress
On Nov. 14, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced that the agreement to reopen the federal government includes his measure protecting veterans’ Second Amendment rights at previously agreed-upon levels through Jan. 30, 2026. Additionally, there is ongoing litigation challenging federal firearm prohibitions for non-violent felons and state-level restrictions, with briefing deadlines and decisions anticipated from various appellate courts.
Larry Keane, who often acts as a media spokesperson, publishes commentary, and leads safety and advocacy campaigns for the shooting sports community, is the Senior Vice President for Government and Public Affairs, Assistant Secretary, and General Counsel at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). During the nearly six-week government shutdown, Keane has played a key role in urging Congress to ensure that the shutdown does not infringe upon Second Amendment rights. As a result, two bills were introduced: the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) as S. 3085, and U.S. Rep. Ben Cline’s (R-Va.) H.R. 5874. These bills, if passed, would guarantee law-abiding Americans can continue exercising their Second Amendment rights during a government shutdown by requiring federal agencies to keep processing firearm applications and licenses;
State Legislature
The following states are still in SESSION:
Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
Florida: On Nov. 18, the Criminal Justice Subcommittee voted 11-5 in favor of HB144, which would lower the minimum age for the purchase or transfer of firearms to 18. The bill now goes to the full Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Minnesota: During the shutdown, NSSF covered the Minnesota Gun Control Road Show. Here is a summary of what Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, and Moms Demand Action helped coordinate: efforts that turned the forums into political theater rather than genuine public input.
- Minnesota’s political leadership is pushing a gun control agenda through events that sidestep standard legislative processes, relying on scripted town halls and city ordinances. Governor Tim Walz attempted a special legislative session for gun control measures, but was blocked by pro-Second Amendment lawmakers. In response, state officials organized “town halls” to rally support for bans on Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) and other restrictions. These events were highly curated, with pre-selected attendees and questions, all favoring gun control.
North Carolina: Last week the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee. The House then withdrew S50 from committee and has scheduled it for a vote on Dec. 15.
2026 Legislation
Virginia
On Oct. 18, Virginia state judge F. Patrick Yeatts issued a permanent injunction against the state’s background check law. The Virginia Citizens Defense League and Gun Owners of America brought this lawsuit. In Wilson v. Hanley, Yeatts wrote,
“In exercising judicial restraint, the Court finds it improper to resolve the question of firearm regulation through the lens of Bruen; instead, the inherent as-applied constitutional deficiencies of the Act require that the court strike the statute in its entirety.”
Because the Commonwealth of Virginia relies on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which is administered by the FBI and based on federal statutes, it conflicts with Virginia law that permits 18- to 20-year-olds to purchase guns. Since the Democrats have regained control of the legislature and Governor-elect Spanberger is likely to support all gun control proposals, it is probable that this court-ordered injunction will be resolved by early 2026.
