Mobile Courant

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Roger Marshall have put forward the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act, a legislative proposal aimed at changing how certain firearms are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This legislation seeks to lift the taxation, registration, and regulation from short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and similar weapons currently governed by the NFA.

Senator Tuberville commented on the initiative, stating, "For too long, unelected bureaucrats have misplaced their priorities by overregulating the use of firearms that Americans are legally entitled to own." He emphasized the constitutional right to bear arms and conveyed his support for legislation that "cuts red tape" and upholds the rights of gun owners.

Senator Marshall criticized what he describes as infringements on gun owners' rights, specifically during the Biden administration. Encapsulating his view, he 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." He called on his legislative colleagues to support the SHORT Act and reaffirm Second Amendment rights.

A number of other Senators, including Katie Britt, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, among others have signed on as cosponsors. On the House side, Congressman Andrew Clyde is spearheading parallel efforts.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from the Gun Owners of America and the National Association of Gun Rights. These endorsements follow concerns raised about the Biden Administration's enforcement of NFA provisions, particularly regarding pistols equipped with stabilizing braces. Enforcement actions have led to the creation of an “Amnesty Registration of Pistol Brace Weapons,” putting pressure on firearm owners to comply or risk being in violation.

The SHORT Act also targets the removal of all ATF records related to NFA firearms and aims to prevent future actions that could lead to confiscation or mandatory registration of such weapons.

Senator Tuberville, representing Alabama, serves on several Senate committees and continues to champion Second Amendment rights alongside his legislative duties.