Jeff Crank

Rep. Crank Introduces Bill to Protect Concealed Carry on Department of War Property

Position: Rep. Crank supports legislation to codify a presumption of approval for service members' applications to carry firearms on Department of War property and to require written, individualized explanations for any denials.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) introduced the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act to uphold service members’ right to self-defense. The Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act would codify Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s recent memorandum to ensure that applications to carry a firearm for personal protection on Department of War (DoW) property are reviewed with a presumption that the service member will be approved. Since 2015, members of the Armed Forces have been allowed to carry a personal firearm on DoW property for their personal protection with approval from a commanding officer. However, approvals have been slow and sporadic, with denials issued without explanation. As a result, the men and women entrusted to defend our nation with firearms are being denied a constitutional right to self-defense with firearms. In addition to requiring military leadership to adhere to a presumption of approval, the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act would require that in the instance of a denial, the service member must receive, in writing, an objective, clearly stated, and individualized basis for such denial. In too many instances, our service members are being denied their Second Amendment rights with no explanation, leaving no opportunity for appeal or accountability. "For too long, our service members’ Second Amendment right to carry a firearm for personal protection on Department of War property has been hampered by reluctant leadership and bureaucratic hurdles," said Rep. Crank. “I have heard from both active duty and veterans in our community on the need for this change, and that it is why it’s important to codify Secretary Hegseth's memorandum with the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act to safeguard against any future Secretary of War that may be hostile to our service members’ right to self-defense." Read the full bill here. ###

Rep. Crank Votes in Favor of Budget Reconciliation to Fund ICE and CBP

Position: Rep. Crank supports federal funding for ICE and CBP through 2028, arguing that adequate resources are necessary for immigration enforcement and border protection.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of S. Con. Res. 33, which establishes a Congressional budget to responsibly fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through 2028. “We are months into the Democrat-led ICE and CBP funding shutdown, and it has got to end,” said Rep. Crank. “We face elevated threats from around the world and right here at home. Colorado's Fifth District is tired of the politics, let's get this funding passed to ensure that ICE and CBP can continue protecting the American people.” ###

Rep. Crank Votes to Protect National Security from Foreign Threats

Position: Rep. Crank voted to extend FISA Section 702 surveillance authority for 18 months, stating that recent reforms have been successful and warrant continued implementation with oversight to protect national security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of a clean, 18-month extension to the reforms that Congress passed two years ago in the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA). The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 allows the US Government to collect electronic communications of foreign nationals outside the US with access to foreign intelligence—such as terrorists, spies, weapons proliferators, and drug traffickers. Section 702 helps the federal government identify and stop foreign threats and collect intelligence to protect the homeland. Section 702 cannot be used to target Americans' private data. In 2024, Congress passed RISAA into law as the largest FBI and FISA reform in decades, with 56 reform mandates. All the reforms have been implemented, however, an additional, clean, 18-month extension will confirm whether the RISAA reforms have been institutionalized or whether more reforms are needed. "After spending time reviewing and looking through relevant documentation from multiple agencies, I am encouraged that an 18-month extension of these reforms is the right direction for our country,” said Rep. Crank. "The reforms have already shown to be successful, and I will continue to show my commitment to oversight in ensuring that Americans' Constitutional rights are not compromised." Background: To be clear, the US Government cannot use Section 702 to target Americans' electronic communications for collection. That would require a warrant under a different FISA authority. Every Section 702 target is carefully reviewed to ensure that they are foreigners, located overseas, who communicate foreign intelligence information. Section 702 is the most extensively overseen US intelligence collection tool, with built-in protections for Americans' privacy. ###

Rep. Crank Votes to Reduce Fire Risk and Increase Transparency in Air Quality

Position: Rep. Crank supports the FIRE Act, which clarifies how the EPA treats emissions from wildfires and prescribed burns in federal air quality compliance reviews, arguing that current regulations unfairly penalize states for wildfire mitigation activities and create unnecessary regulatory burdens.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of H.R. 6387, the Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act. Colorado, like many Western states, is experiencing historic drought and low snowpack this year. These are conditions that significantly elevate wildfire risk. Yet current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations governing “exceptional events” fail to account for wildfire mitigation activities like prescribed burns and count those emissions against a state’s compliance with federal air quality standards. At the same time, states must navigate an increasingly burdensome and inconsistent process to exclude emissions from naturally occurring wildfires. This lack of clarity and flexibility creates unnecessary hurdles and delays, making it harder for states to manage air quality effectively. As a result, states can be unfairly pushed into nonattainment, forcing businesses, manufacturers, and local governments to bear the regulatory and economic consequences. The FIRE Act would improve the Clean Air Act by clarifying how the EPA treats emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other uncontrollable sources in federal air quality reviews. “I am proud to cosponsor the FIRE Act, led by my Colorado colleague Gabe Evans,” said Rep. Crank. “States should not be penalized for taking proactive steps to prevent catastrophic wildfires and ultimately reduce overall emissions. As wildfire risk continues to rise in the Pikes Peak region, regulatory clarity from the EPA on how wildfire emissions are treated is more important than ever.” Background: This legislation updates section 319[b] of the Clean Air Act to clarify how emissions from wildfires, prescribed burns, and other uncontrollable sources are treated in federal air quality reviews. Strengthens coordination with the EPA to ensure transparent determinations. Endorsements: Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association Colorado Motor Carriers Association Action Colorado Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association Colorado Ready Mix Concrete Association Colorado Petroleum Association Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association Club 20 Colorado Oil and Gas Association Colorado Association of Homebuilders Adams County Regional Economic Partnership Pike Peak Area Council of Governments ###

Reps. Crank and Kennedy Introduce Bill to Protect Access for Public Land Recreation

Position: Representatives Crank and Kennedy introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act to expand motorized recreational access on federal public lands by restoring an 'open unless posted closed' policy for roads and trails, subject to resource protection and public safety concerns.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Recently, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) and Representative Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA), which received a legislative hearing today by the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Before 2005, public lands generally operated under an “open unless posted closed” policy, meaning roads and trails were available for uses consistent with existing land use plans, including hiking, biking, and motorized access for hunting, angling, and other recreation. This approach provided broad and predictable access across public lands. Since the policy was reversed in 2005 through agency action and not at the direction of Congress, many previously used roads and trails were not included in agency inventories during travel management planning, resulting in an immediate loss of access for the motorized community. Access has continued to decline as agencies have designated fewer routes as open. In Colorado, of the 28,351 total miles of trails, only 8 percent are open to motorcyclists, and nearly half of public lands are restricted from motorized use. "America’s public lands support a wide range of recreational uses," said Rep. Crank. "The Public Lands Access Restoration Act will limit restrictions of motorized access to concerns over resource protection and public safety. This bill expands opportunities for Coloradans and all Americans to access and enjoy our public lands. Thank you to Rep. Kennedy for co-leading this bill, and to the Trails Preservation Alliance, headquartered in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, for bringing this issue to our attention." "Utahns have watched 1,500 miles of trails be restricted under a federal rule that was designed without us in mind," said Rep. Kennedy. "Public lands should be open to the public; it is that simple. PLARA restores this common-sense standard, giving Utahns recreational access to the landscapes that have defined us for generations." "Colorado’s population is larger than ever and still growing while opportunities for motorized recreation on roads and trails continue to shrink,” said Chad Hixon, Executive Director of TPA. "This isn’t an issue of overuse, it’s an issue of over-concentration driven not by a lack of trails, but by a lack of access to them. We are grateful to Rep. Crank and Rep. Kennedy for recognizing this problem and introducing a bill to solve the problem and open access to responsible riders.” “Public lands work best when they serve a wide range of users," said Becky Leinweber, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance. "By improving the process for maintaining and designating routes, this bill supports responsible motorized access while ensuring decisions remain grounded in resource protection and public input—benefiting all who recreate on our public lands.” “On behalf of motorized recreational businesses and the millions of off-road enthusiasts who support the industry, SEMA and ORBA thank Reps. Crank and Kennedy for introducing the Public Lands Access Restoration Act,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, the Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). This bill offers an important policy shift to ensure that BLM- and Forest Service-managed lands are open to motorized vehicles unless there is a justifiable resource protection or public safety need to prohibit motorized access. We strongly support the return to an 'open unless posted closed' policy on public lands.” Background: The Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA) would restore motorized access on public lands while improving transparency in land management. Codifies the policy of “open unless posted close” on U.S. Forest service and Bureau of Land Management trails and roads. Limits restrictions of motorized access to concerns over resource protection and public safety Any restrictions are subject to a 30-day comment period and apply to the smallest area for the least amount of time; Must be clearly identifiable with signage and included on updated official maps in both digital and printed form; Reviewed on a 5-year basis to redetermine justification. Read the full bill here.

Rep. Crank Votes to Protect Hunting and Fishing Access on Federal Lands

Position: Rep. Crank supports legislation that would prohibit federal agencies from banning traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters, arguing such bans would raise costs for hunters and anglers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Crank, would prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition or fishing tackle on federal lands and waters. "As an avid outdoorsman, I support policies that make our public lands more accessible, and I am proud to have voted for the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act,” said Rep. Crank. “Anti-hunting and radical environmental groups have long pushed for bans on traditional ammunition and tackle, currently the most popular and affordable across the country, with the goal of drastically raising the cost of hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. While the Trump Administration respects our national sporting traditions, passing this legislation is necessary to block any future administration hostile to sportsmen from creating new barriers to access and enjoy our public lands.” ###

Rep. Crank Votes to Protect the Homeland

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 provides the resources to protect the homeland and keep American communities safe, secure, and resilient. "It is a shame to see Members of Congress continuously vote against critical public security services that protect our homeland," said Rep. Crank. "We are now into the third week of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which poses a great risk to our nation during a heightened threat environment from our adversaries. The House passed this bill due to our strong Republican leadership and backing of the President and his policies. I strongly encourage Senate Democrats to put the safety of the American people over politics and join us in voting to reopen DHS." ###