hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Stops government entities from letting certain non-citizens use firearms.
Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).
Introduced in the Senate, referred to committee.
This bill, introduced by Senator Budd and several Republican co-sponsors, aims to ensure that existing federal prohibitions on firearm possession by certain aliens (those illegally in the U.S. or on most nonimmigrant visas) also apply to government entities when those entities are involved in the use of firearms. Senator Budd, a Republican from North Carolina, serves on the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which handles legislation related to federal courts, criminal law, and immigration.
Introduced Feb 25, 2026
This bill was introduced in the Senate on February 25, 2026, during the 119th Congress, and immediately referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Before it can become law, it must pass through this committee, be voted on and approved by the full Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President. If the bill does not pass both chambers by the end of the 119th Congress (typically end of 2026), it will die and need to be reintroduced in a future session.
This bill would clarify that government entities are subject to existing federal laws prohibiting firearm possession by individuals who are unlawfully in the U.S. or who have been admitted under a nonimmigrant visa (with some exceptions). This means that federal, state, and local government agencies would be explicitly prevented from allowing such individuals to use firearms or ammunition, even for official duties. It could require agencies to review their employment and contracting policies, ensuring that anyone authorized to use government firearms meets specific legal immigration criteria.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill prevents individuals legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to immigration status from doing so through government work, bolstering security.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about how this could impact government operations or overcomplicate hiring processes for certain roles.
Those in favor would likely state that the bill closes a potential loophole, ensuring that individuals who are unlawfully present in the U.S. or on most nonimmigrant visas, and therefore generally prohibited from possessing firearms, cannot circumvent these restrictions while working for government entities. They would emphasize national security and adherence to existing immigration and firearm laws. Conversely, potential criticisms might focus on whether such a measure is necessary, given existing prohibitions, or if it could create unnecessary hurdles for government agencies that might employ non-citizens in specific, legitimate roles (though the bill specifically targets categories already largely restricted from firearm possession).