Back to News April 16, 2026
Industry Momentum Highlighted at 2026 NSSF Congressional Fly-In
The 2026 NSSF Congressional Fly-In — the 19th by The Firearm Industry Trade Association held this week — was a resounding success. Executives from across the firearm and ammunition industry joined with NSSF to take concerns, views and requests to lawmakers in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. It’s the rare chance for lawmakers to hear directly from firearm industry members on matters directly affecting their businesses.
Dozens of firearm and ammunition industry leaders flew in from across the country to participate in the 2026 NSSF Congressional Fly-In, leading to over 60 meetings with Members of Congress, senators and staff from both political parties. The feedback and results after a packed two days made it clear — this year’s was one of the most successful NSSF Congressional Fly-Ins ever.
Teams of firearm and ammunition industry representatives spoke with lawmakers about the need to pass legislation to codify protections again financial discrimination, protecting customers’ privacy when purchasing firearms or ammunition products, strengthening the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to end a growing number of frivolous lawsuits and protecting the industry that provides small arms and ammunition to the U.S. military.
Recognizing a Year of Leadership
During the NSSF Congressional Fly-In dinner, a Congressman from Virginia received special recognition for his staunch support of the firearm and ammunition industry and for standing steadfast in favor of Second Amendment rights during the final year of the Biden administration.
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) received the 2025 NSSF Legislator of the Year Award — given for outstanding efforts during the previous Congressional session.
Introducing Rep. Cline, NSSF’s Larry Keane, Senior Vice President for Government and Public Affairs and General Counsel, described why it was so appropriate to recognize Congressman Cline.
“We are proud to honor a tireless champion, who is been willing to stand up for our industry in the halls of Congress. This leader has been unwavering in his support, not just in words but in action and deeds,” Keane said. “He stood up when it counted most.”
Receiving loud applause, Rep. Cline expanded on his efforts, saying he was truly honored with the recognition.
“This honor means so much and I want to thank all of you who are here this week to meet with legislators and to ensure your issues remain at the forefront of not just the House’s agenda, but also the entire Congress’s agenda, as well,” Rep. Cline stated. “Here in Washington, you have a friendly audience . . . a Congress that embraces the Second Amendment, that embraces the Constitutional right of Americans to defend themselves, to defend their families and their property and defend their freedoms. That’s really what it’s all about. The Second Amendment is the amendment through which all the other amendments are protected.”
Administration Chimes In
Before kicking off a full day of Congressional visits with legislators and staff, NSSF industry leaders had an opportunity to hear from White House Counsel David Warrington for some insights from the Trump administration. Mr. Warrington was the first White House Counsel to attend NSSF’s SHOT Show® when he travelled to Las Vegas earlier this year to meet and converse with industry members. He was applauded for his early and visible support of the firearm and ammunition industry.
“Your presence here this morning is living proof that the president and his administration value the Second Amendment and our industry that makes the exercise of that right possible,” NSSF’s Keane said.
“It’s great to be among friends today, and as Larry said, it’s great to have a president who actually cares about the Second Amendment,” Warrington stated. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to the Oval Office and we’ll be talking about some policy that touches on the Second Amendment and the president will say to me, ‘David — what are the gun guys going to think?’ He’s said it before, the Second Amendment folks have been with me from the beginning.”
Mr. Warrington described what the administration saw when it came (back) into The White House and what the strategy has been to tackle so many problematic policies and undo the mess from the previous administration. With all that has already been accomplished in the first 14 months, he said there will be more to be proud of coming ahead.
“There are a lot of things that this administration has done, things that we can be proud of, but we’re going to accomplish a lot more and you’re going to see that very soon,” Warrington stated. “And I’m talking days, not weeks.”
Report from Big Sky County
U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) spoke with industry representatives during a lunch break. The senator spoke about his support of the industry and what he sees as good developments over the past year back home in Montana, and in Washington, D.C., as well as the challenges that still lie ahead.
He spoke of the importance of using the current unified control of the Legislative Branch.
“It’s critical we do everything we can in all regards for conservative principles, but especially for this incredibly important area [the Second Amendment].”
Sen. Sheehy also recounted his visit to SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, noting that along with himself, Montana’s Gov. Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen were in attendance. He reminded firearm industry leaders that this was indicative of his state’s commitment to grow and attract firearm business to Montana, protecting the Second Amendment and the industry that makes that right possible and providing the tools today’s warfighters need to protect the nation.
“So, Montana is open for business, especially for firearm and ammunition businesses that we’re trying to attract into the state,” the senator asserted.
NSSF’s Fly-In logged in dozens of meetings with industry executives walking dozens of miles moving to and from Congressional offices. The interaction enabled NSSF to gain additional cosponsors for priority legislation and advocate for legislation that will enable the industry to continue to thrive.
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