H.R.335 - Repeal the NFA Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 335, the "Repeal the NFA Act," aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by repealing the National Firearms Act (NFA). The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The primary objective is to eliminate Chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code, which pertains to the NFA.
The NFA currently regulates the manufacture, transfer, and possession of certain firearms, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and suppressors. Repealing the NFA would remove these regulations and associated taxes.
The bill is sponsored by Mr. Burlison, along with several co-sponsors, indicating a specific intent to ease restrictions on certain types of firearms.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 335 would significantly alter the landscape of firearm regulation in the United States. The repeal of the NFA would remove federal oversight and taxation on NFA-regulated firearms.
This could lead to increased availability of these firearms. The change would shift regulatory authority to individual states, potentially creating a patchwork of laws across the country.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced costs and burdens for law-abiding citizens seeking to own NFA items.
- Increased individual liberty and Second Amendment rights.
- Potential boost to the firearms industry through increased sales.
- Simplification of federal firearms laws by removing a layer of regulation.
- Greater alignment with the original intent of the Second Amendment, as perceived by some.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in gun violence due to easier access to NFA items.
- Reduced ability of law enforcement to track and regulate certain types of firearms.
- Increased risk of NFA items falling into the wrong hands.
- Concerns about the impact on public safety and community well-being.
- Potential for increased costs to states for regulating firearms in the absence of federal oversight.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is primarily centered around the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. Proponents argue that repealing the NFA would strengthen this right by removing restrictions on certain firearms.
Opponents may argue that the Second Amendment is not absolute and that reasonable regulations on firearms are constitutionally permissible. The Supreme Court has generally upheld the right to bear arms while also acknowledging the government's power to regulate firearms to some extent.
The debate often revolves around the interpretation of "a well regulated Militia" and the scope of individual gun ownership rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).