Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas has reintroduced the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act, aiming to remove restrictions on certain firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The legislation targets the taxation, registration, and regulation of short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and other similar firearms. The proposal is a response to what Marshall describes as the Biden Administration's misinterpretation of the NFA to classify pistols with stabilizing braces as illegal short-barreled rifles.

Senator Marshall stated, “‘Shall not be infringed’ is crystal clear – and the Biden-era abuses of the Constitutionally protected rights of gun owners across the country need to be undone.” Congressman Andrew Clyde from Georgia has introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives, aligning with Marshall’s legislative efforts.

Congressman Clyde expressed his concerns, saying, “The Biden-Harris Administration dangerously weaponized the draconian National Firearms Act to further infringe on Americans’ Second Amendment liberties.” He underscored the importance of protecting the right to bear arms by deregulating specified firearms.

The Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the National Association of Gun Rights (NAGR) have both expressed their support for the SHORT Act. Aidan Johnston of GOA stated, “The Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act will repeal elements of the archaic National Firearms Act.” Hunter King from NAGR added, “The SHORT Act is a long overdue step toward restoring the rights of Americans."

Several U.S. Senators have cosponsored the bill, including Cynthia Lummis, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, and others. Senator Lummis criticized the Biden administration’s approach, stating, “The SHORT Act provides a permanent solution to the unconstitutional and unworkable Pistol Brace Rule put forward by unelected ATF bureaucrats.”

Senator Rick Scott emphasized his commitment to the Second Amendment, saying, “I’m a proud supporter of the 2nd Amendment.” Similarly, Senator Tuberville voiced support for legislation aimed at protecting law-abiding gun owners.

Senator Kevin Cramer described the proposal as a means to “put a stop to federal overreach.” Senator Jim Risch highlighted the need to protect gun owners in Idaho from what he views as excessive regulation. Other senators echoed this sentiment, supporting the act as a way to address government overreach and protect constitutional rights.

The legislation is presented as a measure to safeguard Second Amendment liberties and prevent future administrative actions seen as infringing on those rights.

Full details of the bill are available for public viewing.