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Washington, DC – In a fast-moving turn of events, Congress has moved forward on the massive reconciliation One Big Beautiful Bill, but key pro-2A reforms have faced a Senate Parliamentarian blockage setting the stage for a fierce fight ahead. Below are two must-watch videos embedded to help explain what just went down and what comes next.
Jared from Guns and Gadgets delivers a concise and impactful update on the latest developments as the bill returns to the House. He highlights Representative Andrew Clyde’s strong push to reinsert the original pro-2A provisions stripped by the Senate Parliamentarian. Clyde presented a compelling argument during the Rules Committee hearing, using actual NFA tax stamps to demonstrate how the $200 tax and the registration requirement are inseparably linked. Jared emphasizes the significance of Clyde’s amendment and the potential to reignite the fight for full repeal as the bill heads back to the Senate.
Brandon Herrera takes a broader approach in his video, unpacking both the political and legal dynamics of the situation. He explains how the original pro-2A provisions made it through the House and were strengthened in the Senate before being struck down by the Parliamentarian, whom he criticizes sharply. He also outlines a potential silver lining: if the tax is reduced to zero while registration remains, it could weaken the legal foundation of the NFA and open the door to a constitutional challenge. Despite the setback, Brandon urges continued pressure on lawmakers, emphasizing that past activism has worked—and that this is no time to back down.
What Actually Happened?
The Senate passed the bill by a 50–50 margin, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. However, Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that removing silencers and short-barreled firearms entirely from the NFA violates the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which limits non-budgetary items in reconciliation bills. In response, Senate Republicans pivoted to a compromise—reducing the $200 tax stamp on these items to $0 while still maintaining NFA registration and controls.
Why This Matters and What’s Next
Historic-ish Gain? Dropping the $200 tax stamp is a meaningful step but falls short of full deregulation. The NFA’s registration framework remains intact, including background checks and other hurdles.
Political Leverage Parliamentarian rulings only apply to reconciliation. Now, the amended bill returns to the House Rules Committee where Clyde’s amendment hopes to reinstate full HPA/SHORT provisions, sending the bill back to the Senate.
Legal Implications
Leaving registration on the books despite removing the tax opens a constitutional challenge. Clyde notes that courts previously upheld the NFA as a “tax,” tying registration to taxation. Zeroing the tax could invite a judicial challenge to the system.
What You Can Do
Contact House members, especially Rules Committee reps, urging support for Clyde’s amendment to restore full NFA repeal language. Push Senate GOP leaders to publicly overrule or remove the parliamentarian holding leaders accountable to pro-2A voters. Stay informed and engaged. Activism drove gains so far and pro-2A pressure could force another round of debate in D.C.
We’ve seen the power of grassroots pressure: wins in committee, the House, and Senate momentum. Though the parliamentarian’s intervention is a setback, it’s not a dead end. Full repeal remains possible, and this “half measure” creates legal leverage and buying time. That’s how real reform takes shape from the halls of Congress to the courts.
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