Staff Reports
Members of Congress are taking steps to address concerns about a potential gunpowder shortage by proposing a new bill to urge the Biden administration to assess the U.S. supply chain and find ways to ensure an adequate inventory for both the military and the average consumer. Republican leaders, Sen. James E. Risch from Idaho and Rep. Tom Emmer from Minnesota, are spearheading this initiative out of worry that law-abiding Americans may encounter difficulties in obtaining ammunition due to a global shortage of nitrocellulose, a vital ingredient in powder manufacturing.
Gunpowder shortage: GOP prods Biden on supply chain woes, fears of ammo crunch as U.S. arms Ukraine https://t.co/NRVExG0hFt
— Right2Liberty🐊🇺🇸 (@Right2Liberty) April 18, 2024
The lawmakers assert that the Biden administration’s regulations are creating unnecessary barriers for law-abiding gun owners to access affordable firearms and ammunition. Sen. Risch emphasized the importance of transparency in the government’s actions to protect citizens’ Second Amendment rights and ensure that the military has the necessary ammunition for national defense.
Nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton, is crucial for producing modern gunpowder and other munitions propellants. With only a few countries producing nitrocellulose, such as Thailand, China, and India, the United States heavily relies on imports. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has increased the demand for munitions, while China has tightened its supply, leading to a shortage in the global market.
Industry insiders have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the shortage. Sam Gabbert, the owner of SGAmmo, warned that if demand for ammunition surges, factories may struggle to keep up. Rep. Emmer urged proactive measures to secure the ammunition supply chain to support both military readiness and American manufacturing, as well as to protect citizens’ Second Amendment rights.
The proposed legislation seeks to address the domestic supply and production of nitrocellulose and prevent potential disruptions in ammunition manufacturing. It calls for a report on nitrocellulose sources and production, along with recommendations to enhance production and prevent supply chain vulnerabilities. The bill has gained support from several senators and representatives, as well as industry organizations, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
The concerns about the nitrocellulose supply shortage coincide with the ammunition industry’s efforts to overcome a shortage of percussion caps and contend with a new Biden administration regulation banning the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle at certain wildlife refuges. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited health and environmental concerns as the basis for this regulation, drawing criticism from gun rights supporters.
The proposed legislation aims to address the potential gunpowder shortage and safeguard Americans’ access to ammunition while supporting the military’s needs and American manufacturing. Members of Congress and industry organizations are advocating for measures to ensure a stable and dependable ammunition supply chain.
