Weekly Spotlight 11/10/25 – 11/16/25
After the Shutdown, Congress Must Act to Protect Americans’ Right to Self-Defense
As the nation emerges from the longest federal government shutdown in American history, Congress has a critical opportunity to take meaningful action for Americans’ right to self-defense – and law-abiding gun owners are watching. Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. must make passing H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, an immediate priority.
With millions of Americans preparing to travel to visit loved ones ahead of the holidays, consistency in where citizens can legally carry concealed firearms has never been more important. Families should not be forced to navigate a confusing patchwork of state laws to exercise their constitutional right to self-defense, and it’s time lawmakers in Washington act correspondingly.
As police departments nationwide continue to face officer shortages and rising response times, ensuring that Americans can defend themselves wherever they go is a matter of common sense and public safety. It’s not about politics – it’s about protecting, respecting, and upholding the Constitutional rights of all law-abiding Americans.
For too long, federal lawmakers have campaigned on promises to protect the Second Amendment, only to return from Washington with excuses and empty rhetoric. Now, as the government reopens from a historic shutdown, Congress has a real chance to turn words into action and to pass meaningful self-defense legislation that strengthens both safety and freedom at a pivotal moment in American politics.
It’s time to put aside partisan politics and advance the policies that law-abiding Americans want and need, ensuring they can travel with the peace of mind to protect themselves and their families.
###
OTHER NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
The City NYC: New Yorkers Fill Gun Classes As Concealed Carry Applications Surge
In New York City, once proudly unwelcoming to guns, residents are arming up. Since June 2022, when a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision forced state lawmakers to relax longstanding restrictions, tens of thousands of New Yorkers have sought permits to carry concealed weapons outside the home. … Few instructors are busier than Lance Dashefsky. The 57-year-old has more reviews on the U.S. Concealed Carry Association’s website than anyone else in the New York City area, earning a five-star rating. Most weekends, he is helping residents get locked and loaded.
Associated Press: Some States Now Require Public Schools To Teach Kids About Gun Safety
This school year, students in elementary, middle and high schools in some states will get a new lesson on safety: what to do if they find a firearm. Arkansas, Tennessee and Utah are the first states to enact laws that require public schools to teach children as young as 5 the basics of gun safety and how to properly store guns in the home. Only Utah’s law allows students to opt out of the lesson if requested by parents or guardians. A similar law in Arizona was vetoed by the Democratic governor, and lawmakers in at least five other states have introduced such proposals, putting schools at the forefront of yet another debate about gun violence.
CBN: ‘Pray, Believe, Prepare’: Churches Across US Step Up Security Amid Rise Of Deadly Attacks
Once considered sanctuaries of peace, America’s churches are increasingly becoming targets of deadly violence. Since July, at least three fatal church shootings have shaken communities across the country, prompting pastors and congregations to tighten security and seek specialized training. At New Wine Ministry in Decatur, Arkansas, worshippers gathered to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles — while two Vietnam veterans patrolled the grounds outside. … In response, the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has expanded its “Protecting Your House of Worship” safety training nationwide. Firearms instructor Ron Garrett said more than 600 events have been held since May, training over 12,000 participants in threat assessment, active shooter response, and emergency medical care.
Bearing Arms: End To Shutdown Would Open Door For Vote On Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill
The Senate reached a tentative agreement to re-open the federal government late on Sunday evening, and if the House concurs with the package approved by the upper chamber the Schumer Shutdown could be over in a matter of days. Once the shutdown is over the House is expected to return to regular business, and that includes a potential floor vote on HR 38, the “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025” that was placed on the House calendar just before the shutdown began.
###