Tucked Inside GOP Tax Bill: Looser Rules on Gun Silencers, Short-Barrel Firearms

WASHINGTON — A sweeping Republican tax and spending bill, backed by former President Donald Trump, is sparking controversy not just for its massive cuts—but for what’s quietly been added in: provisions that would loosen federal regulations on gun silencers and certain rifles and shotguns.

The inclusion marks a major win for gun rights advocates and the firearms industry, but it’s drawing fierce pushback from Democrats and gun safety groups who say it could make it harder to stop mass shooters.

A Gun Store Owner’s Wish List Becomes Lawmakers’ Language

The gun-related measure was first pushed by Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Georgia Republican, gun store owner, and vocal Second Amendment defender. Clyde had initially opposed the broader tax package—until this provision was included. He proudly claimed credit on the House floor, saying, “Who asked for it? I asked.”

The House version of the bill would remove silencers—also known as suppressors—from the National Firearms Act, a law dating back to the 1930s that was designed to curb organized crime. The change would eliminate a $200 tax and the additional background checks required to purchase them.

When the bill moved to the Senate, the provision stayed—and expanded. Republicans added language to deregulate short-barreled rifles and shotguns as well, firearms that have long been subject to stricter controls due to their concealability and potential use in close-range attacks.

Republicans Say It’s About Rights and Hearing Protection

Supporters argue the move is about restoring constitutional rights and helping lawful gun owners. “Burdensome regulations and unconstitutional taxes shouldn’t stand in the way of protecting American gun owners’ hearing,” said Clyde, who often wears an assault rifle–shaped pin on his lapel.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who helped negotiate bipartisan gun legislation just three years ago, is now embracing the rollback. “I’m glad the Senate is joining the House to stand up for the Second Amendment and our Constitution,” he said, echoing Trump’s praise of the bill as “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Industry leaders back the changes, too. Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation says silencers are primarily used by hunters and sport shooters. “It’s about protecting hearing,” Keane said. “Use in violent crime is extremely rare.”

Democrats Push Back: “Police Don’t Want Silencers on the Streets”

Democrats are sounding alarms, especially in the wake of recent shootings. The silencer provision was unveiled just days after two Minnesota state legislators were shot in separate incidents. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the timing “tone-deaf and dangerous.”

“Parents don’t want silencers on their streets. Police don’t want silencers on their streets,” Schumer said.

Critics argue that loosening regulations on silencers and short-barreled guns could make it easier for mass shooters to go undetected—and harder for law enforcement and bystanders to respond in time. “There’s a reason silencers have been regulated for nearly a century,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat and former gun control activist, slammed the provision as a handout to the gun industry. “This bill would help gun manufacturers make more money off the death of children and our people,” he said.

A Sharp Shift From Bipartisan Gun Reform Just Three Years Ago

The GOP’s push to roll back gun regulations is a stark reversal from just three years ago, when a bipartisan gun safety bill was passed following the Uvalde school shooting. That legislation enhanced background checks for buyers under 21 and aimed to keep firearms away from dangerous individuals—earning rare praise from both parties.

Now, with Republicans in control of Congress and looking to pack their legislative wishlist into a single fast-moving package, the tide has turned.

Democrats are currently pressing the Senate parliamentarian to strip out the gun provisions during procedural review, arguing they’re unrelated to budget matters. But with pressure mounting to pass the bill before July 4, and Trump’s enthusiastic backing, the window to stop it may be narrowing.

“We’re going to fight this at every level,” Schumer said. “This isn’t about tax reform. It’s about making America less safe.”