Emmer leads bill calling for a study on the nation’s supply of gunpowder ingredients

To ensure the resilience and efficiency of America’s ammunition manufacturing supply chain, U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) on April 18 sponsored bicameral legislation that would require a report on the nation’s supply of nitrocellulose, the main ingredient for gunpowder.

“As threats to our nation’s security evolve, it is more important than ever to take proactive measures to secure our ammunition supply chain,” Rep. Emmer said. “This is not only about enhancing our military readiness but also supporting American manufacturing and ensuring law-abiding Minnesotans and Americans can exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Specifically, the Ammunition Supply Chain Act, H.R. 8066, would require the U.S. Secretary of the Army to provide a comprehensive report to Congress on the supply chain for smokeless gunpowder, including nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and acid production, which are all essential to ammunition manufacturing, according to the bill’s text.

The report would include information on sourcing raw materials used in producing ammunition, examining weaknesses in the existing supply chain, reducing the risks for any disruptions to the global demand for ammunition, and providing strategies for fostering public-private partnerships to broaden points of production, as well as private investment, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Emmer’s staff.

The legislation also states that Congress remains concerned about the domestic supply and production of nitrocellulose. “Any failure or supply shortage could restrict ammunition manufacturing for large and small calibers, harming the commercial marketplace and placing the war fighters at risk,” the text says. 

Rep. Emmer introduced H.R. 8066 with five original GOP cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN). U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) on April 18 sponsored the same-named S. 4163 in his chamber alongside 12 original Republican cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Mike Rounds (R-SD). 

The legislation has garnered support from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Vista Outdoor.