Senate Republicans move forward with eliminating gun safeguards in “Big Beautiful Bill”

WASHINGTON — Today, in a disastrous move for crime and public safety, Senate Republicans inserted a provision eliminating National Firearms Act (NFA) taxes on silencers and short barreled firearms into the “Big Beautiful Bill,” despite this policy originally being struck for noncompliance during the “Byrd Bath.” This provision would make it far easier for dangerous people to acquire gun silencers and short barreled rifles and shotguns.

For almost 100 years these particularly dangerous weapons have been regulated. Until now, silencers and short barreled firearms other than handguns have rarely been used in crimes because current law has successfully stopped them from falling into the wrong hands. Because of these protections, the shooters in the 2022 Tops Friendly Market massacre in Buffalo, New York, and the 2023 Lewiston, Maine, were unable to access silencers. This provision will make it easier for violent criminals to escape or to secretly bring dangerous guns into crowded areas, putting both law enforcement and civilians at greater risk.

“Right now, Senate Republicans are jumping through hoops to undermine law enforcement and boost profits for gun industry CEOs. The extreme gun lobby has already shown their hand—stripping the NFA’s tax is the first step in their plan to remove all safeguards keeping gun silencers away from criminals. As GIFFORDS’ recent polling shows, Republicans and Democrats alike overwhelmingly oppose removing the commonsense laws we have that keep silencers out of dangerous hands,” said GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown. “This bill will only make America more dangerous. Republicans are opening a flood gate, and Democrats will remember and act if the National Firearms Act is now in play for reconciliation in the future.”