ATF Funding in 2026: What H.R. 6938 Signals for Gun Owners, FFLs, and the Firearms Industry
A major federal spending package moved quickly through Congress this month, and one piece of it matters directly to the firearms community: the 2026 funding level for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
1) The bill and where it stands
The House passed H.R. 6938 on January 8, 2026 by a 397–28 vote. The package includes the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill. The Senate is also advancing the measure; the Senate Daily Press reports the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 6938 on January 12, 2026 by 80–13.
Read the full bill text on Congress.gov
House vote record (Jan 8, 2026)
Senate Daily Press (Jan 12, 2026)
2) The ATF funding number: $1.585B for FY2026
The bill text sets the ATF “Salaries and Expenses” funding level at $1,585,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
Primary source: H.R. 6938 text (see ATF section)
Year-over-year context
- FY2026 (proposed): $1.585B
- FY2025 (enacted, reported): $1.618B
- Change: -$33M (about -2.0%)
Reporting context: ATF funding coverage
3) Key stipulations that are actually in the bill text
Beyond the headline dollar figure, H.R. 6938 contains several specific constraints:
- Limits on “relief from disabilities” processing: funds may not be used to investigate or act on individual applications under 18 U.S.C. §925(c) (with a separate allowance for corporate filings).
- No transferring ATF functions: the bill restricts use of funds to transfer ATF missions/activities to other agencies.
- ATF Canine Training Center: a provision restricts using funds to move the Canine Training Center / National Canine Division from Front Royal, Virginia.
4) Why this matters for AR-15 parts, NFA items, and compliance
For gun owners, FFLs, and the firearms industry, ATF funding levels influence compliance tempo, enforcement capacity, and the overall regulatory environment. In practical terms, a near-status-quo budget signals that 2026 may feel more like recent years than a full “reset.”
5) What to watch next
- Senate amendments and final passage
- Any changes to bill language that affect enforcement priorities
- How the final budget translates into staffing and implementation
Want the short version? We’re tracking the real-world implications for gun owners and the firearms market. Read the full breakdown and get updates here:
