Washington, D.C. — As the U.S. Senate begins work on the House-passed reconciliation bill—cheekily dubbed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” gun owners nationwide have a golden opportunity to strike a blow for freedom.
Tucked inside the House version is language that would remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA).
But the Senate must go further.
It’s time to add the language from the SHORT Act, which would remove Short Barrel Rifles (SBRs) and Short Barrel Shotguns (SBSs) from the outdated and unconstitutional federal registry.
And there’s no better time—or vehicle—than now.
SBR Restrictions: A Laughable Relic of 1934
Let’s be honest: the idea that putting a shoulder stock on an AR pistol magically transforms it into a dangerous “SBR” worthy of federal regulation is laughable at best, tyrannical at worst.
These rules—dreamed up during the gangster era of the 1930s—have no basis in modern crime data or logic.
They’re used not to protect Americans, but to criminalize ordinary gun owners for cosmetic and arbitrary distinctions.
In reality, an SBR is less concealable than many pistols, more accurate, and easier to control—making it a safer option in many defensive situations.
Yet under the NFA, owning one without jumping through hoops, paying a $200 tax, and waiting months (or longer) for government approval is a federal crime.
It’s time for that insanity to end.
Texas Leading the Way
While D.C. stalls, Texas is charging forward.
Thanks to relentless pressure from Texas Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, and pro-gun Texans across the state, the Texas Legislature just passed SB 1596, a bill to remove short barrel firearms from the state’s prohibited weapons list.
The legislation now awaits Governor Abbott’s signature—and would align Texas law with the reform sought at the federal level.
As Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt noted, this sets the stage for Congress to act:
“SB 1596 clears the way in Texas. Now it’s time for D.C. to follow suit by passing the SHORT Act.”
The House Delivered—Now the Senate Must Finish the Job
When the House passed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” they included language to remove suppressors from the NFA.
That’s a huge win. But gun rights champions, including Texas Gun Rights and the National Association for Gun Rights, have been demanding more.
These organizations even delivered a coalition letter to offices on Capitol Hill urging the addition of the SHORT Act’s provisions to remove SBRs and SBSs from NFA restrictions.
The letter wasn’t just a polite suggestion. It was a shot across the bow—a demand that the Senate stand up for the rights of the American people, or prepare to be held accountable.
Texans: Time to Light Up the Phone Lines
If you live in Texas, you have a job to do today: Call Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn and tell them to support the removal of SBRs and SBSs from the NFA in the reconciliation package.
As the group put it: “That ship has sailed. John Cornyn’s retirement would be the best option for him—and for the Second Amendment.”
This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity.
With Republicans holding the reins in Washington, the reconciliation bill provides a perfect vehicle to gut some of the worst parts of the NFA and restore liberty to law-abiding Americans.
If we wait, the opportunity could be lost—and anti-gun Democrats could seize control again, weaponizing the ATF and expanding the NFA even further.
Liberty isn’t won in silence—it’s secured by the citizens who stand and speak.
And today, that means picking up the phone and demanding action. Before it’s too late.