President Donald Trump is pushing for swift passage of a sweeping tax and spending bill that includes controversial provisions to deregulate certain firearms.
The bill, which he hopes to sign by July 4, includes a measure to ease restrictions on gun silencers and short-barreled rifles and shotguns — longstanding goals of the gun lobby, according to the Associated Press.
The firearms provision originated from Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, a gun shop owner and vocal Second Amendment advocate.
Initially opposed to the broader tax package, Clyde requested the silencer amendment, which removes suppressors from the National Firearms Act of the 1930s. The change would scrap a $200 tax and eliminate additional background checks.
The Senate embraced the measure, even expanding it to cover more weapon types. Supporters say the regulations infringe on constitutional rights.
“Burdensome regulations and unconstitutional taxes shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting American gun owners’ hearing,” Clyde said.
Opposition erupted among Democrats as the bill moved quickly through Congress — especially after two Minnesota lawmakers were shot in recent incidents.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared, “Parents don’t want silencers on their streets, police don’t want silencers on their streets.”
Despite the uproar, the gun policy has garnered broad Republican support.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are focused on brokering consensus around other items like Medicaid cuts, allowing the gun provision to slip through with little fanfare.
The push marks a reversal from 2022, when Congress passed bipartisan gun control legislation after the Uvalde school shooting. That law imposed stricter checks and expanded mental health programs.
Now, Republicans are leveraging their control of Congress to roll back what they consider overreach.
“I’m glad the Senate is joining the House to stand up for the Second Amendment,” Texas Sen. John Cornyn said.
Gun advocates like Larry Keane argue the legislation is about safety, not crime.
“All it’s ever intended to do is to reduce the report of the firearm to hearing safe levels,” Keane said.
Democrats vow to challenge the measure at every level.
“We’ll fight this provision… with everything we’ve got,” Schumer pledged.
