In May 2026, Guns Down America examined Lobbying Disclosure Act records submitted by representatives of major firearms companies and trade associations in the first quarter of 2026.
READ ONIn April 2026, Guns Down America examined Lobbying Disclosure Act records submitted by representatives of major firearms companies and trade associations in the first quarter of 2026.
Shortly before this report’s release, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) confirmed its new Director, Robert Cekada, who previously served as the agency’s Deputy Director. Concurrent with his confirmation, the ATF announced an overhaul of gun regulation, calling it the most comprehensive regulatory reform package in the history of the agency. Major gun industry lobbying groups were present, including physically standing behind Cekada, at the confirmation.
The package of 34 proposed rule changes walked back or, in some cases, entirely eliminated many longstanding gun safety regulations spanning multiple topics, including loosening the interstate transportation of firearms, reducing background check requirements, and more. These changes directly align with the lobbying priorities documented by many of the gun companies and trade associations detailed in this report. Read on to learn how the gun industry influenced recent changes to the ATF and more.
READ THE FULL Q1 2026 GUN LOBBY REPORT HERE.
