NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA)
The NRA's 501(c)(4) lobbying arm — coordinates federal and state legislative strategy
Overview
The NRA-ILA is the NRA's lobbying arm, structured as a 501(c)(4) "social welfare" organization that can engage in unlimited lobbying and significant political activity without the same disclosure requirements as the NRA-PVF (a PAC).
The ILA coordinates the NRA's legislative strategy at both federal and state levels, maintaining a lobbyist in virtually every state capitol. It was founded in 1975 — one year before the NRA-PVF, which was established in 1976 — as part of the post-"Revolt in Cincinnati" reorientation of the NRA toward political activism. The ILA monitors every piece of legislation touching guns at any government level and deploys resources — money, membership mobilization, and lobbying relationships — to block anything it opposes.
Key Personnel
John Commerford
Executive Director (since January 2025)Became interim NRA-ILA Executive Director in late 2024 following Randy Kozuch's removal, then confirmed as Executive Director in January 2025.
Chris Cox
Former Executive Director (1995–2019)Ran the NRA-ILA for 24 years, making it one of the most feared lobbying operations in Washington before resigning amid internal NRA turmoil.
Legislative Wins / Policy Impact
- Tiahrt Amendment — blocked ATF gun tracing data release
- Stopped Manchin-Toomey background checks (2013)
- Blocked assault weapons ban renewal (2004)
- Concealed carry reciprocity passed House (2017) with ILA push