Senators Question DOJ Handgun Sales Policy
A group of 20 senators is challenging the Department of Justice's decision to stop enforcing age-based handgun restrictions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Law
Live Poll
Should the federal government continue to enforce age-based restrictions on handgun sales?
A group of 20 U.S. senators has written to the Department of Justice to question its decision to stop enforcing federal restrictions on handgun sales to individuals under 21. The agency cited concerns over the constitutionality of the age-based rules.
Why it matters
The move marks a significant shift in the enforcement of the Gun Control Act of 1968, prompting concerns from lawmakers regarding executive authority and potential impacts on gun violence. The Department of Justice maintains that age-based restrictions are unconstitutional based on an internal Office of Legal Counsel opinion.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits federal firearm licensees from selling handguns to individuals under 21. A group of 20 senators is now formally requesting information on the Department of Justice's non-enforcement policy.
The players
Department of Justice
The federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice in the United States.
Todd Blanche
The Attorney General of the United States who received the formal inquiry from the senators regarding the handgun sales policy.
The details
The Department of Justice issued an Office of Legal Counsel opinion determining that the age-based restrictions are unconstitutional, leading to the decision to cease enforcement. Senators are concerned about the implications of the executive branch independently bypassing the established provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Timeline
1968: Congress enacted the Gun Control Act to prohibit federal handgun sales to those under 21.
October 20, 2026: Twenty senators sent a formal letter to the Department of Justice regarding the policy change.
Political Context
Opponents of the Department of Justice's decision argue that the executive branch is overstepping its authority by unilaterally declaring parts of the Gun Control Act of 1968 unconstitutional. They emphasize that such major shifts in firearm policy should be addressed through the legislative process rather than internal agency opinions.
This policy shift potentially expands access to handguns for individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 by removing federal barriers at licensed dealerships. Residents should monitor for changes in state-level compliance and local retail firearm sale policies in their jurisdictions.
The takeaway
The executive branch's move to stop enforcing long-standing federal handgun laws highlights a deepening divide over the interpretation of constitutional rights and firearm regulations. Citizens should keep an eye on how state governments respond, as they may move to codify or contest these federal changes locally.
Further reading
For more on the legal status of federal firearm regulations, visit the Law section.
Live Poll
Should the federal government continue to enforce age-based restrictions on handgun sales?
