Empowering Survivors: How National Constitutional Carry Protects Vulnerable Americans

In January 2025, Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced H.R. 645, the National Constitutional Carry Act, which upholds the Second Amendment by preventing states and local governments from imposing firearm carry restrictions contrary to federal standards. If enacted, it will allow all Americans who can legally own firearms to carry them concealed in public nationwide, without needing state-issued permits, fees, or additional requirements.

As of today, 29 states already embrace constitutional carry. This personal liberty enables millions of responsible Americans to exercise their right to self-protection without unnecessary government hurdles. Unfortunately, the remaining 21 States continue to maintain various permit systems. These infringements,  include fees, training mandates, and processing delays; however, Representative Massie’s bill aims to create uniformity. It ensures that the fundamental right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is respected across the country.

Beyond its broad support for Second Amendment rights, this legislation is critical for survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence. These individuals often face elevated personal safety concerns and benefit greatly from reliable means of self-defense.  After prioritizing safety and relocation, financial resources may be limited, making permit fees, sometimes $50 to over $200, plus costs for required training classes a significant barrier. Additionally, limited availability of application sites, fingerprinting locations and class schedules, combined with potential wait times of weeks or months, can delay access to self-protection tools during periods when they are needed most.

National constitutional carry streamlines this process for eligible individuals and allows ALL law-abiding Americans to exercise their inalienable right of self-defense.  

Federal prohibitions would continue to apply, preventing access for those with felony convictions, certain domestic violence restraining orders, or other disqualifying factors. For qualified survivors; however, this approach provides timely and equitable access to an effective self-defense tool. Those rebuilding their lives will have the ability to carry discreetly, whether commuting, running errands, or caring for family, and allows them to focus on healing and independence. 

Firearms serve as a proven equalizer in self-defense scenarios. Responsible armed citizens, including current  permit holders and those in constitutional carry states, demonstrate high levels of lawfulness. Defensive gun uses occur regularly, often resolving threats without shots fired, simply by shifting the balance of power. States with permitless carry report enhanced feelings of security with no corresponding statistical increase in misuse.

H.R. 645 aligns directly with the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision, which affirmed public carry as a core Second Amendment tenet rooted in historical tradition. National constitutional carry extends this protection uniformly, recognizing self-defense as a fundamental need, especially for those who have faced threats in the past. The bill has earned support from organizations like Gun Owners of America and the National Association for Gun Rights. 

As the bill states, its purpose is “to enforce the rights protected by the Second and Fourteenth Amendments against the States.” All Americans who value personal safety and constitutional rights should engage with this issue.  While it advances through Congress, broader awareness of its benefits can build momentum. Contact your Representatives and Senators to express support for H.R. 645. Highlight its role in upholding freedoms while providing practical protection for survivors who deserve every tool to safeguard their future.

In an era where personal security matters deeply, national constitutional carry represents a positive step forward. It empowers law-abiding citizens, including survivors, to defend themselves effectively and confidently. The safety and well-being of countless individuals stand to gain from its passage.