Washington, DC – On Tuesday, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee advanced H.R. 38, the National Reciprocity bill, with an 18-9 vote. If passed into law, H.R. 38 would grant law-abiding Americans with a concealed carry permit in one state—or those residing in Constitutional Carry states—the ability to carry firearms nationwide.
For many, this represents a hard-fought acknowledgment of rights enshrined in the Constitution. However, celebrations remain muted among staunch defenders of gun rights.
While the advancement of H.R. 38 signals progress, it falls short of the comprehensive victory many demand, particularly given the current Republican Trifecta—control of the House, Senate, and White House.
This political advantage, observers note, is far from permanent, with the 2026 midterms threatening to shift the balance of power.
Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) views H.R. 38 as a good step forward, but still a compromise when compared to H.R. 645, Rep. Thomas Massie’s National Constitutional Carry Act.
This bolder legislation aims to eliminate permitting requirements entirely, extending Constitutional Carry to every American. The bill would deliver unrestricted carry rights to the 180 million individuals living in restrictive “blue” states, where local governments often impose stringent gun control measures.
Chris McNutt, President of TXGR emphasized the group’s stance: “National Reciprocity is a step forward, but it’s not the finish line. Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t need government approval to exercise their constitutional rights. H.R. 645 offers true freedom, nationwide, without compromise.”
The organization sees the current bill as preserving an uneven system that burdens the law-abiding while doing little to deter criminals.
Time, however, is a pressing concern.
With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats, the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster remain elusive, and Senate Democrats are likely to resist.
The House’s approval of H.R. 38 could also face dilution, as occurred in 2017 when a similar measure passed but faltered in the Senate after amendments weakened its impact.
Advocates warn that unfavorable changes could transform this victory into a hollow gesture.
Texas Gun Rights remains undeterred, advocating for H.R. 645 to capitalize on the Republican Trifecta before the 2026 elections potentially alter the landscape. The group insists that Constitutional Carry for all is not merely an aspiration but an urgent priority.
With the political window narrowing, TXGR continues its efforts to ensure lawmakers prioritize a lasting Second Amendment legacy over temporary gains.
The battle, observers agree, is far from resolved.
