In a major policy shift, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” by a 218–214 vote, sending it to President Trump’s desk for signature—just in time for his self-imposed July 4 deadline.

What Gun Owners Should Know

• The bill eliminates the $200 excise tax on National Firearms Act (NFA) items—specifically suppressors (silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and “any other weapons” (AOWs)—starting January 1, 2026

• Though the tax is gone, NFA registration, background checks, fingerprints, and ATF paperwork remain intact.

• This marks the first significant rollback of NFA provisions since the act’s creation during Prohibition.

Political and Procedural Drama

• The Senate initially added a full repeal of NFA restrictions—but the Senate Parliamentarian struck it down under the Byrd Rule, requiring a 60-vote threshold for non-budgetary changes.

• A compromise emerged: remove the tax but keep regulatory oversight, leaving registration intact.

Reactions from Stakeholders

• Gun-rights groups like the Firearms Policy Coalition and Gun Owners of America called the tax removal “a critical step” and are preparing legal challenges aimed at dismantling the NFA’s registration regime entirely.

• Opponents, including Everytown and Brady, warned this undermines public safety and facilitates access for criminals.

• Law enforcement and anti-gun advocates cite the NFA’s century-long success in limiting misuse of regulated weapons.

Why It Matters

• Gun owners gain a $200 savings on NFA items starting 2026—significantly reducing purchase costs.

• Manufacturers and dealers face a surge in demand, requiring ATF to process more applications without revenue from tax stamps.

• Legal strategy shifts: With the tax gone, plaintiffs can argue continued regulation lacks a constitutional basis—potentially triggering challenges that could reshape or dismantle the NFA entirely.

What’s Next

• Final approval from President Trump is expected soon.

• Watch for the launch of “One Big Beautiful Lawsuits”, aiming to end the NFA’s regulatory components.

• Expect more legal and legislative action around ATF backlog, tax stamp processing, and registration reform.