A Senate Parliamentarian ripped federal gun regulation reform from the budget reconciliation bill, dealing a major blow to Second Amendment advocates who had hoped to roll back portions of the National Firearms Act (NFA). The removed provisions would have eliminated federal registration and taxation of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns. With this decision, reforming the NFA will now require the support of 60 senators—effectively dooming the proposals under the current divided Senate.
Gun Rights Advocates Disappointed, but Not Defeated
It was just after midnight Friday when Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Budget Committee ranking member, announced the decision. He explained that the reform proposals failed to meet the strict requirements of the Byrd Rule—a Senate guideline that limits what can be included in budget reconciliation bills. The Byrd Rule prohibits provisions considered “extraneous” to the budget, and according to the Parliamentarian, the gun regulation measures did not meet the necessary fiscal criteria.
This ruling effectively disqualifies the reforms from being passed by a simple majority under reconciliation. Instead, a full 60 votes are now required to move the legislation forward—a tall order in a Senate closely divided between Democrats and Republicans.
Gun rights advocates responded swiftly and with frustration. Gun Owners of America (GOA) posted on X (formerly Twitter), assuring supporters that they are “reviewing all options with our congressional allies & will keep our members aware of the ongoing situation.”
The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) also weighed in, calling the ruling “a gut punch but not the end,” and urging gun owners to contact their senators in support of eliminating the NFA’s outdated and restrictive measures.
Lawmakers May Return to Simpler Proposal to Eliminate $200 NFA Tax
While the broader reform effort has hit a roadblock, some lawmakers and advocacy groups are looking to pivot. The original plan before the expanded reform movement gained traction focused solely on eliminating the $200 tax required for purchasing suppressors and certain short-barreled firearms. Removing the tax is seen as a more budget-centered issue and may fall within Byrd Rule guidelines.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) confirmed to The Reload that shifting focus back to the original proposal may be the most viable path forward. “As you know, policy changes are violative of the Byrd Rule; zeroing out taxes is our plan B. That should work,” Cornyn stated.
This strategic recalibration could allow at least part of the reform package to survive through reconciliation by linking it to tax policy—a legitimate budget issue. Advocates are hopeful that while the broader NFA rollback may be delayed, this pared-down approach could still score a meaningful win.
The Fight for NFA Reform Continues Amid Obstacles
Gun owners and civil liberties groups have long argued that the NFA, first passed in 1934, is outdated and imposes excessive barriers on law-abiding Americans. The law requires citizens to pay a $200 tax and undergo months of bureaucratic delays for items like suppressors or rifles with barrels under 16 inches.
Critics of the NFA argue that these regulations do little to deter crime and instead burden responsible firearm owners with red tape and excessive costs. Proponents of reform maintain that modern firearms accessories like suppressors are common and useful for hearing protection during recreational shooting and hunting.
While the Parliamentarian’s decision is a significant setback, it does not mark the end of the fight. National gun rights organizations are regrouping and pushing for alternate strategies. Legislative allies in Congress are also exploring different mechanisms to deliver at least partial reform.
Ultimately, the outcome may depend on public pressure and the willingness of lawmakers to push back against outdated regulations. As gun rights groups continue to mobilize, the momentum for reform remains strong—despite the current legislative hurdles. The road may be longer than expected, but for those who believe the Second Amendment is under siege, the mission continues.
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