Trump’s bill would remove certain gun taxes; Democrats vow opposition

President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is making waves in the Senate, with key policy changes that would remove taxes and regulations on certain guns causing a stir among lawmakers. The Senate Finance Committee recently unveiled the bill, which includes provisions to delist short-barrel rifles, shotguns, and suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA). This means that these specific firearms and accessories would no longer be subject to a $200 federal tax and would not need to be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act, sponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Andrew Clyde, is responsible for these changes. Marshall believes that the inclusion of these gun-related provisions will make Trump’s bill even more appealing, while Clyde sees it as a way to restore Second Amendment rights.

However, Senate Democrats are gearing up to challenge these gun-related provisions through the “Byrd Bath” process, which involves scrutinizing the bill to ensure compliance with the Byrd Rule that governs reconciliation. The Democrats are likely to target the gun language in their efforts to make changes to the bill.

Despite the potential challenges from Democrats, Marshall is confident that the provision will survive the Byrd Rule, emphasizing that taxation and registration of firearms under the NFA are closely linked. He sees the budget reconciliation process as the best opportunity to codify these changes, as it only requires 51 votes for passage.

On the other side, Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, highlighted the meticulous nature of the Byrd Bath process and the focus on spending and budgetary effects. He expressed his commitment to delving into the details of the bill and ensuring that ideological motivations do not overshadow fiscal considerations.

As the Senate navigates the complexities of Trump’s megabill, the fate of the gun-related provisions remains uncertain. With both Democrats and Republicans gearing up for a legislative battle, the outcome will ultimately shape the future of gun regulations in the United States. Stay tuned as the Senate continues to debate and negotiate the details of this significant legislation.