Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 5 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Stop Militarizing Our Streets Act of 2026, places restrictions on the Department of Defense regarding the sale and procurement of certain weapons and ammunition. Under Section 2, the Secretary of Defense is prohibited from selling military-grade assault weapons and covered ammunition in the commercial marketplace. The legislation also stops the Department of Defense from buying items from any firearms or ammunition dealer that sells these restricted military-grade items commercially. Additionally, the bill sets strict conduct, licensing, and recordkeeping requirements for dealers who wish to do business with the military. These rules include mandatory background checks, purchase limits on ammunition, and employee training programs. Finally, the bill authorizes the appropriation of funds to the Attorney General to upgrade and maintain the national instant criminal background check system.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +8
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?
The bill significantly enhances background check requirements, sales limits on ammunition, and dealer accountability.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill increases federal oversight and regulatory requirements for commercial firearms and ammunition dealers through the Department of Justice.
- Scored +2
Would children be better off under this?
Increased safety measures around firearms may positively impact the general safety of children in communities.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -7
Would gun owners be better off under this?
Gun owners face stricter purchasing caps on ammunition and more rigorous background check processes.
- Scored -7
Does this protect the right to own guns?
The legislation imposes restrictive purchase limits on ammunition and bans certain military-grade weapons from commercial markets.
- Scored -4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Firearms and ammunition dealers face increased compliance costs and strict administrative mandates.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2, inserting new Section 7545(a)(1) into title 10, prevents the Department of Defense and government-owned plants from selling military-grade assault weapons and covered ammunition into the commercial marketplace, which keeps these dangerous military items out of regular commercial channels.
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Section 2, inserting new Section 7545(b)(4)(D), requires dealers to refuse the transfer of firearms or ammunition until the NICS background check system verifies the transfer is permitted, and mandates the refusal of sales to individuals who exhibit signs of intoxication, mental instability, or pose a danger to themselves or others.
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Section 2, inserting new Section 7545(b)(4)(F), requires dealers to implement mandatory training courses for employees to help them recognize straw purchasers, illegal purchase indicators, and individuals intending to use firearms for self-harm or unlawful purposes, thereby promoting public safety.
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Section 2, inserting new Section 7545(b)(4)(D)(ii), requires dealers to implement physical security systems such as adequate locks, exterior lighting, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems to prevent theft and burglary of firearms and ammunition.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 2, inserting new Section 7545(b)(4)(C), places strict limits on ammunition sales by capping the transfer of covered ammunition to no more than 500 rounds, and other ammunition to no more than 1,000 rounds, to the same individual purchaser within any 30-day period.
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Section 2, inserting new Section 7545(b)(4)(E), requires ammunition dealers to implement and maintain a remotely searchable electronic record of the importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, and any other disposition of ammunition at their place of business, which creates heavy administrative burdens for business owners.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — Increased safety measures around firearms may positively impact the general safety of children in communities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Stricter gun and ammunition regulations could enhance safety in densely populated urban areas. Would gun owners be better off under this? — Gun owners face stricter purchasing caps on ammunition and more rigorous background check processes. Would business owners be better off under this? — Firearms and ammunition dealers face increased compliance costs and strict administrative mandates.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight and regulatory requirements for commercial firearms and ammunition dealers through the Department of Justice. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation requires regular reporting from government-owned plants and the Department of Defense regarding commercial sales.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The legislation places heavy recordkeeping and administrative burdens on firearms and ammunition dealers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns? — The bill significantly enhances background check requirements, sales limits on ammunition, and dealer accountability. Does this protect the right to own guns? — The legislation imposes restrictive purchase limits on ammunition and bans certain military-grade weapons from commercial markets.
- 3/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland