Springfield Standard

Today, Representative Eric Burlison of Missouri reintroduced the Repeal the NFA Act. The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 was the first federal law to impose limitations on firearm ownership, requiring a $200 tax, registration, and an application process for certain firearms and accessories.

Burlison argues that unelected officials have used the NFA to impose regulations on gun owners without congressional approval. He pointed out a recent rule by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that reclassified firearms with pistol braces as short-barrel rifles. This change could potentially make millions of Americans felons unless they comply with the NFA's requirements. Despite three federal courts blocking this rule, the ATF continues to enforce it.

Burlison has been active in defending constitutional rights in Missouri. He has sponsored laws such as Stand Your Ground, Constitutional Carry, and the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), which prohibits state agencies from enforcing federal laws infringing on gun rights. He also introduced legislation to abolish the ATF.

Rep. Eric Burlison stated: "The federal government has manipulated the National Firearms Act for nearly a century to strip Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Unelected bureaucrats at the ATF have weaponized the NFA as a tool to criminalize millions of responsible gun owners. The recent pistol brace rule is the latest example of their audacious disregard for the Constitution."

He continued: "The time has come to dismantle this unconstitutional regime and restore our fundamental freedoms. The Repeal the NFA Act will end the ATF’s reign of regulatory tyranny, strike a blow against bureaucratic overreach, and ensure that Americans are no longer subjected to this unjust tax-and-registration scheme."

Several organizations support this bill including American Firearms Association and various state-based firearms associations across Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington State, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Cosponsors of this act include Representatives Andy Biggs from Arizona's 5th district; Andy Ogles from Tennessee's 5th district; Barry Moore from Alabama's 2nd district; Randy Weber from Texas' 14th district; Harriet Hageman representing Wyoming at large; and Mike Collins from Georgia's 10th district.