Gun lobbyists are expressing dismay with a compromise on silencers included in the fast-tracked budget bill and the GOP’s slow-walking of another demand to stop the taxing and registration of commonly owned AR-15 style pistols.
On Monday, the House Ways and Means Committee released its plan, and while it stripped a $200 tax on the sale of silencers, it still required registration and sale approval by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
That angered some gun groups who have been calling for an end to the tax and ATF registration of suppressors, which many consider a hearing safety device.
Our coalition of 20+ suppressor & brace companies urge Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, & @WaysandMeansGOP Chairman Jason Smith to back GOA’s strategy.
There is no reason Congress cannot FULLY STRIKE suppressors & short-barreled firearms from the archaic National Firearms Act. https://t.co/uqah6e6DUK
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) May 13, 2025
“This isn’t a compromise, it’s a betrayal. Lawmakers knew it, and they chose political convenience over principle,” said Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Gun Owners of America.
The National Rifle Association said on X, “House Ways & Means Committee releases text for the House reconciliation plan. Included is a fee reduction from $200 to $0 for the NFA tax on suppressors. This legislation continues to subject suppressors to the unconstitutional provisions of the NFA,” a reference to the century-old National Firearms Act.
BREAKING: House Ways & Means Committee releases text for the House reconciliation plan. Included is a fee reduction from $200 to $0 for the NFA tax on suppressors. This legislation continues to subject suppressors to the unconstitutional provisions of the NFA.
— NRA (@NRA) May 12, 2025
“Some weak Republicans are wavering,” tweeted the National Association for Gun Rights, adding, “Tell them to GROW A PAIR and DEREGULATE suppressors!”
Several of the groups also expressed frustration that the budget plan omitted their demands for legislation to slash new regulations covering the sale of AR-style pistols equipped with braces to help the handicapped steady shots at the range. An estimated 40 million of the braces are in circulation and, for a decade, were allowed until the ATF under former President Joe Biden moved to regulate them out of use.
Call (202) 225-3625 or hit @waysandmeansgop & @SpeakerJohnson on X. Tell them to GROW A PAIR and DEREGULATE suppressors! pic.twitter.com/IWe1lEDv8d
— National Association for Gun Rights (@NatlGunRights) May 13, 2025
Several gun suppliers joined with the Gun Owners of America on Tuesday to demand that their requests be included in the budget reconciliation bill.
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Some lawmakers and Second Amendment supporters said that it would be hard to do under standing rules covering budget bills, but the groups said that they were selling out gun supporters.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Republicans to uphold the promises made to gun owners on the campaign trail to protect and restore our Second Amendment rights. We urge you to move swiftly, to use this incredible opportunity to pass pro-Second Amendment reforms using budget reconciliation, and not to compromise with our Second Amendment rights,” they said in a letter to House and Senate Republican leaders.