Joco Today

On July 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and colleagues to introduce the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (FICRA). This legislation aims 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.

“The Right to Bear Arms is a Constitutionally protected right that is fundamental to every American’s existence,” said Senator Marshall. “There is simply no reason why outdated regulations unfairly infringed on this right. For this reason, I am proud to join Senator Cramer and cosponsor the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act, which will strengthen the Second Amendment nationwide.”

Senator Cramer added, “The Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens should not dissipate at state lines. For decades, outdated regulations have placed unnecessary burdens on our nation’s federal firearm purchasing laws.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.”

House Majority Leader Scalise emphasized the need for modernization: “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.”

The legislation seeks to allow interstate firearm transactions, implement permit dealer flexibility, redefine residency definitions for armed forces and federal employees, and ensure firearm transactions adhere to the Constitution while complying with state laws and regulations.

Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), 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), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and John Thune (R-SD).

The legislation has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of NRA-ILA stated: “This legislation would modernize the way firearms are sold under federal law and remove arbitrary barriers for law-abiding gun buyers and sellers.” He added: “On behalf of the NRA’s millions of freedom-loving members, we applaud Senator Cramer for championing this legislation to benefit gun owners nationwide.”

Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel remarked: “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.” He continued: “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.”

For further details on the bill text or more information about FICRA click here.