Opinion
At this year’s NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (ILA), sat down with Bearing Arms’ Cam Edwards to talk about where things stand for our Second Amendment rights — and what’s coming next.
Bottom line? There’s a lot to be excited about, but we’ve got to stay active and ready.
A Homecoming for Gun Owners
John made it clear: the NRA is working hard to reconnect with its members and rebuild trust after a few rocky years. Being at the convention wasn’t just about celebrating victories — it was about energizing gun owners to stay engaged, especially with major battles still ahead at both the state and federal levels.
If you’re feeling like D.C. is out of touch, you’re not alone. John said it himself — you have to leave the Beltway and talk to real Americans to understand what matters. And what matters most? Protecting our right to keep and bear arms, plain and simple.
Virginia: The Front Line
The conversation quickly turned to Virginia, where statewide elections this November could swing everything. Governor Glenn Youngkin has been standing strong, vetoing more than two dozen gun control bills. But if the Democrats’ choice, rabidly anti-gun candidate for Governor, Abigail Spanberger, wins the governor’s seat in November, it’s game over — Virginia could end up looking like California or New Jersey when it comes to gun laws.
Gun owners in Virginia (and everywhere else) need to take this seriously: get registered, get your friends registered, and show up to vote. Our rights depend on it.
National Right to Carry & Other Big Bills
On the federal side, there’s a lot of good legislation on the table — things like National Right to Carry Reciprocity and the Protect the Second Amendment Act. The challenge is getting them through the Senate, where you need 60 votes to break a filibuster.
Right now, the NRA is focusing on getting as many pro-2A bills out of the House and lined up, ready to move if the Senate rules change, or if a “must-pass” bill gives an opening. HR 38 (national reciprocity) already has over 180 co-sponsors — the most since 2017.
It’s a tough fight, but John reminded us: if we’re not ready, we’ll miss the opportunity.
Real Changes at the ATF and DOJ
During Biden’s term, we saw a full-blown government assault on gun owners and the firearms industry. But now under Trump, things are finally starting to shift. The Department of Justice is taking historic steps — like launching a Civil Rights investigation over violations of the Second Amendment, something that’s never been done before.
We’re also seeing real work happening behind the scenes to roll back Biden-era attacks like:
- The pistol brace rule
- The frame and receiver rule (dealing with so-called “ghost guns”)
- And even discussions about reopening the machine gun amnesty for old NFA firearms
The NRA submitted a 30+ page report to the White House outlining exactly what needs to happen. And according to insiders, the changes we’re about to see are “like nothing we’ve seen before” — in a good way.
The Fight for a Real ATF Director
John also explained that having a Senate-confirmed, pro-2A ATF Director is critical. Until then, acting directors are limited in what they can do. NRA is pushing hard to make sure the next nominee will actually respect gun owners — not treat us like criminals.
Stay Tuned: More Good News Coming
John wrapped it up with a strong message: this is just the beginning. Good things are on the way for gun owners — in Congress, at the DOJ, in the courts, and even inside agencies like the ATF.
But none of it happens without all of us staying involved.
Stay alert. Stay ready. And most of all — stay proud to stand for your Second Amendment rights.
‘Nightmare’ for Anti-Gunners: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Introduced ~ VIDEO
About NRA-ILA:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess, and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org
Some of the wish list is easy if Republicans were on board. Anything to do with NFA, e.g. SUSH act, opening the machine gun registry (even revoking Hughes), removing SBRs, involves taxes and therefore revenue. Make that legislation part of the budget from the R controlled House and it will only take 50 votes in the Senate.
Getting 60 of those clowns in the Senate to support gun rights in America will be a miracle .
Poly- many
Tics- blood suckers
“Coming”, “give them time”, etc etc etc
Fixes plastic straws immediately. Something that’s actually a right well that has to wait
I don’t what else they do, all I’m looking for is national reciprocity…
after a few rocky years…..wow that is an understatement
Where could one find the 30+ page report to the White House?