The bill
To modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes.
HR. 2189, 119th Congress β read as touching Firearms & Ammunition.
Sponsored by
Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
ID: F000471
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 2189, 119th Congress β read as touching Firearms & Ammunition.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
20 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.
February 23, 2026
π Current Status
Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, brought to you by the same geniuses who thought "Operation Iraqi Freedom" was a good idea.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189) claims to modernize federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to line the pockets of the defense industry and their congressional lapdogs.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill creates a new category of "less-than-lethal projectile devices" that are exempt from certain firearms regulations and taxes. It also establishes a process for manufacturers to request classification as a less-than-lethal device, because who needs actual oversight when you can just ask nicely?
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** * The defense industry: They get to sell more toys to law enforcement agencies, which will inevitably be used to "de-escalate" situations by shooting people with fancy new projectiles. * Law enforcement agencies: They'll have access to more gadgets to play with, and maybe, just maybe, they'll use them to de-escalate situations instead of escalating them. (Spoiler alert: they won't.) * Taxpayers: We get to foot the bill for this boondoggle, as well as the inevitable lawsuits when these "less-than-lethal" devices inevitably cause serious harm or death.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "mission creep," where the government slowly expands its authority under the guise of "innovation" and "progress." It's a slippery slope, folks. Today it's less-than-lethal projectiles; tomorrow it'll be drones with tranquilizer darts.
In conclusion, HR 2189 is a cynical attempt to exploit public concern about police brutality while enriching the defense industry. It's a legislative placebo, designed to make us feel better without actually addressing the underlying issues. But hey, at least we'll have more "less-than-lethal" options for our law enforcement agencies to play with.
Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of " Politician-itis," characterized by symptoms such as:
* Excessive use of buzzwords ("innovation," "de-escalate") * Lack of actual substance or meaningful reform * Unwavering commitment to enriching special interests at the expense of taxpayers
Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism, followed by a strong prescription of critical thinking and a dash of outrage.
Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No organization contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: C001110
Top Contributors
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ID: S001212
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ID: C001130
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ID: N000026
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ID: V000131
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ID: D000230
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ID: C001118
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ID: B001302
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ID: R000609
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ID: G000600
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No contribution data available
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 57 nodes and 35 connections (37 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $158,800
Showing top 19 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 helped.
The bill exempts less-than-lethal projectile devices from firearms and ammunition tax (SEC. 202) and from the National Firearms Act (SEC. 203), reducing regulatory and tax burdens on manufacturers of such devices, which are part of the firearms industry.
The bill defines and promotes less-than-lethal projectile devices for law enforcement use (SEC. 102, SEC. 202, SEC. 203), which benefits companies that produce surveillance and less-lethal weapons technology (e.g., Axon, Taser).
For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022βpresent cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.