On March 9, 2026, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act, aimed at allowing law-abiding Americans to carry legally purchased firearms without a permit across the nation. The bill has garnered the endorsement of prominent organizations such as Gun Owners of America and the National Association for Gun Rights.
Senator Lee emphasized that citizens should not need permission to exercise their Second Amendment rights, asserting that many states already support permitless carry and advocating for this right to be upheld nationwide. This legislation is framed as a response to current threats to public safety, suggesting that Americans must be armed not only against commonplace criminals but also against foreign adversaries.
In Lee's view, the existing state permitting processes may unduly delay the exercise of this constitutional right, posing risks during a time of increasing need for self-defense. Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, backed the bill, stating that it would remove restrictive regulations that limit citizens' ability to carry firearms safely and legally. The ACT aims for swift implementation to empower individuals across all states.