Press releases

Kennedy, Risch introduce bill to require Biden admin to protect gunpowder supply chain

Apr 18 2024

WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced the Ammunition Supply Chain Act to require the Biden administration to submit a report to Congress about the state of the domestic supply of the chemical ingredients used in smokeless gunpowder. 

The legislation responds to recent strains on the global supply chain of these components, including nitrocellulose, the most common ingredient in modern, smokeless gunpowder. 

“The U.S. military depends on a reliable gunpowder supply chain to keep our country safe. The Ammunition Supply Chain Act would ensure that the Biden administration evaluates the threats to our gunpowder supply chain and is honest with Congress about them,” said Kennedy.

“This administration creates as many ridiculous hurdles as possible to restrict law-abiding gun owners’ access to affordable guns and ammunition. The Ammunition Supply Chain Act forces transparency from the Biden administration about the status of our domestic ammunition supply chain. This is vital to protect our right to bear arms and to ensure our military has the ammunition it needs to protect our country,” said Risch.

Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) cosponsored the legislation. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

  • The U.S. and its allies have faced nitrocellulose supply chain threats in recent years, in part because of the strategic partnership between the Russian and Chinese governments. 
  • The U.S. military, along with domestic firearms and ammunition producers, relies on the availability of nitrocellulose and other components to produce gunpowder.
  • Nitrocellulose has a variety of other applications for American industry, including uses in health care and in paint and wood finishes. 

Full text of the Ammunition Supply Chain Act can be found here.