ATF Recalls NFA Examiners to Work During Shutdown in Response to Pressure from GOA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2025
Washington, D.C. — GOA announced that ATF will recall its National Firearms Act (NFA) examiners to work starting Monday, following 17 days of relentless pressure by GOA members and our allies in Congress. ATF anticipates that the backlog will be cleared within 7-10 days.
During the current government shutdown, ATF furloughed all NFA processors, putting all private citizens’ applications for NFA-regulated firearms on hold. This breakthrough ends the unconstitutional delay on Americans’ Second Amendment right to purchase and transfer firearms regulated under the archaic NFA, a battle GOA has fought since day one of the shutdown.
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:
“We are grateful to the Trump administration for recalling NFA examiners to work during the shutdown, ensuring that law-abiding Americans can once again exercise their rights without unnecessary government delays. The whole situation just proves exactly why Congress must repeal the archaic National Firearms Act. Gun owners shouldn’t be forced to beg the government’s permission to exercise their rights.”
Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs issued the following statement:
“This is a historic win for gun owners against years of ATF tyranny and discrimination against NFA firearms. The Trump admin is recognizing the right to own suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and other NFA firearms as ‘essential,’ whereas during past shutdowns, only law enforcement and government entities could have their NFA transfers processed.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
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