Gun groups charge betrayal by GOP – Washington Examiner
Gun rights groups are expressing dissatisfaction wiht a recent budget compromise involving regulations on firearm silencers.While the House Ways and Means Committee agreed to remove a $200 tax on silencers, it still mandates their registration and approval for sale by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). This has led to accusations of betrayal from gun lobbyists who had advocated for the complete repeal of such regulations, claiming the decision prioritizes political convenience over principles.
Prominent organizations, including the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America, have expressed their disappointment over this compromise. They argue that it fails to fully deregulate suppressors and does not address calls to eliminate taxes and restrictions on AR-15 style pistols. Additionally, many of these groups are urging lawmakers to take stronger actions to protect Second Amendment rights in future legislation.
The discourse has highlighted ongoing tension within gun rights advocacy, revealing concerns that lawmakers are not fulfilling their commitments to gun owners as promised during campaigns. Activists stress that this moment represents a critical opportunity to enact significant pro-gun reforms.
Gun groups charge betrayal by GOP
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.
🚨 URGENT: Tomorrow, the House Ways & Means Committee will decide on repealing suppressor regulations. Some weak Republicans are wavering!
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 today joined with the Gun Owners of America 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.
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