The BRACE Act (H.R. 9615) is a proposed U.S. Congressional bill aimed at addressing the regulation of firearm stabilizing braces. These braces are accessories attached to pistols to improve stability and accuracy. The bill seeks to amend existing firearm laws to clarify that pistols equipped with stabilizing braces should not be classified as short-barreled rifles, which are subject to stricter regulations under the National Firearms Act. By doing so, the BRACE Act intends to prevent the reclassification of these firearms and protect the rights of lawful gun owners who use stabilizing braces.
Supporters of the BRACE Act argue that it safeguards Second Amendment rights by preventing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from imposing stricter regulations on firearms equipped with stabilizing braces. They contend that the ATF's recent rule requiring registration of such firearms is an overreach that could criminalize law-abiding gun owners. Proponents believe the BRACE Act provides necessary legislative clarity to protect responsible firearm owners from undue regulatory burdens.
Opponents of the BRACE Act express concern that excluding pistols with stabilizing braces from the definition of short-barreled rifles could undermine public safety measures. They argue that stabilizing braces can effectively convert pistols into more dangerous, rifle-like weapons, potentially increasing their lethality. Critics worry that the BRACE Act could hinder efforts to regulate firearms that pose a higher risk in mass shootings and other violent incidents.
The BRACE Act, sponsored by Mariannette Miller-Meeks, does not show direct industry overlaps with her top donor industries, which suggests a lower likelihood of conflicts of interest. However, there is notable lobbying activity in related policy areas, with significant contributions from organizations such as the American Concrete Institute ($80,000) and Anne Pramaggiore ($60,000). While these contributions are substantial, they do not directly link to the bill's subject matter, which mitigates potential conflict concerns. Voters should be aware of the lobbying influence in the background but can feel reassured that there are no direct financial ties to the bill's content from the sponsor's top donors.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE | CROSSROADS STRATEGIES, LLC | $80,000 |
| ANNE PRAMAGGIORE | CROSSROADS STRATEGIES, LLC | $60,000 |
| SIGHTLINE INTELLIGENCE | C2 STRATEGIES | $50,000 |
| ACTUS ADVANCED SYSTEMS | C2 STRATEGIES | $40,000 |
| WASHOE COUNTY | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $30,000 |
| VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS, INC. | C2 STRATEGIES | $30,000 |
| EO SOLUTIONS LLC | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| WASHOE COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| ULINE | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | $20,000 |
| RTC SOUTHERN NEVADA | PORTER GROUP, LLC | $10,000 |
| WISH | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WISCONSIN STATE CRANBERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WISCONSIN CRANBERRY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WISCONSIN CRANBERRY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
| WD SCHORSCH LLC | BROYDRICK & ASSOCIATES | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Mariannette Miller-Meeks, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
