President Trump’s comprehensive tax bill is set to restore Second Amendment rights by removing decades-old regulations on gun silencers and short-barreled firearms, eliminating unconstitutional taxes that have burdened American gun owners since the 1930s.
Key Takeaways
- The GOP tax bill would remove silencers from the National Firearms Act, eliminating both a $200 tax and an extra layer of background checks
- Senate version expands deregulation to include short-barreled rifles and shotguns, further restoring Second Amendment rights
- Republicans argue silencers are primarily used for hearing protection during sport shooting, not for criminal activity
- Democrats oppose the measure and are attempting to remove the gun provisions through parliamentary review
- President Trump aims to sign the full tax and spending cuts package into law by July 4th
Removing Unconstitutional Firearm Regulations
The Republican tax overhaul advancing through Congress includes key provisions that would ease regulations on gun silencers, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns by removing them from the National Firearms Act of 1934. This legislation would eliminate the burdensome $200 tax stamp requirement and additional background check procedures that have infringed on gun owners’ rights for nearly a century. The measure recognizes that these devices are primarily used for legitimate sporting purposes and hearing protection, not criminal activity as often portrayed by anti-gun advocates.
“Burdensome regulations and unconstitutional taxes shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting American gun owners’ hearing,” said Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Georgia Republican and gun store owner who has championed the measure.
GOP tax bill would ease regulations on gun silencers and some rifles and shotgunshttps://t.co/aeNAFfHT4b pic.twitter.com/QeRDloK10Y
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) June 24, 2025
Senate Expands Second Amendment Protections
While the House version focused on deregulating silencers, the Senate has expanded the provision to include short-barreled rifles and shotguns. This broader approach would remove all three categories from the Depression-era regulations that have placed unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. The move aligns with President Trump’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights while implementing his promised tax cuts. Republican lawmakers see this as a necessary correction to outdated laws that impose arbitrary restrictions on firearm accessories and configurations.
“I’m glad the Senate is joining the House to stand up for the Second Amendment and our Constitution, and I will continue to fight for these priorities as the Senate works to pass President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn.
Democrats Attempt to Block Firearm Freedom
As expected, Democrats are working to derail the gun rights provisions through parliamentary maneuvering. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is leading efforts to have the silencer and short-barrel firearm measures removed on procedural grounds, claiming they don’t belong in a tax bill. This resistance comes despite the clear connection to tax policy, as the regulations in question specifically impose a tax on these items. Democrats continue to push fear-based narratives about suppressors despite evidence that they are rarely used in crimes.
“Parents don’t want silencers on their streets, police don’t want silencers on their streets,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
Gun control advocates have predictably opposed the measure with misleading claims about silencers. John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, stated: “There’s a reason silencers have been regulated for nearly a century: They make it much harder for law enforcement and bystanders to react quickly to gunshots.”
Tax Cuts and Freedom by Independence Day
President Trump has set an ambitious timeline, aiming to have the complete tax and spending cuts package on his desk by July 4th. The symbolism of signing legislation that both reduces tax burdens and restores Second Amendment rights on Independence Day underscores the administration’s commitment to American freedom and prosperity. The bill stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan gun control legislation passed in 2022, which increased restrictions rather than restoring constitutional rights. With Republican majorities in both chambers, the chances of passage remain strong despite Democratic opposition.
The provisions would not eliminate all regulations on these firearms and accessories – purchasers would still need to pass standard background checks required for all gun purchases. The bill simply removes an additional layer of bureaucracy and taxation that has unfairly targeted specific types of firearms and accessories without meaningful public safety benefits. This reasonable approach maintains basic safeguards while eliminating unnecessary restrictions that infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
