NRA-ILA has received a number of questions on the status of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) in the case of a government shutdown.
Law enforcement activities are designated as essential services and do not shut down even if the Congress and President fail to agree on funding legislation. The NICS system will continue to operate.
NRA-ILA will keep watch on NICS operations if there is a shutdown to alert our members if there is any impact, such as a slowdown in response times.
NICS Will Continue to Operate if There Is a Government Shutdown

Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, March 24, 2023
Today, the House voted 76-32 to pass House Bill 543, the constitutional carry bill.
Monday, March 27, 2023
The law of inverse or unintended consequences refers to outcomes that are the reverse of the planned or expected results. As described in another context, “the law of unintended consequences could create a perverse effect contrary to ...
Monday, January 30, 2023
On Monday, January 30, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) published the final Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached “Stabilizing Braces” rule for public inspection in the federal register.
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Today, the Senate voted 27-13 to pass House Bill 543, the constitutional carry bill received from the House last week.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Today, March 29, the House voted 71-46 to override Governor Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 41, a bill that recognizes law-abiding citizens’ right to self-defense while attending a church with a school attached and also repeals the ...
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