FridayOL

WASHINGTON (AP) — A significant Republican push to ease restrictions on gun silencers and certain firearms has hit a major roadblock. The Senate parliamentarian has reportedly advised that the proposed changes, aiming to loosen regulations on silencers and short-barreled rifles and shotguns, cannot be included in the current budget reconciliation process.

This development represents a substantial setback for Republicans who have long advocated for less stringent gun control measures. The budget reconciliation process, which allows legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority (51 votes), was seen as the most viable path to enacting these changes, bypassing the need for the typically required 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster. However, the parliamentarian's ruling effectively blocks that route.

The proposed changes would have modified the National Firearms Act (NFA), which was enacted in 1934 and places strict regulations on silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. Currently, individuals seeking to own these items must undergo extensive background checks, pay transfer taxes, and register the items with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Republicans argued that these regulations are overly burdensome and infringe on Second Amendment rights.

Supporters of the rollback argued that silencers, also known as suppressors, primarily reduce the noise of firearms, making them safer to use in shooting ranges and hunting scenarios. They also contended that the existing regulations create unnecessary delays and costs for law-abiding citizens. Furthermore, they believe that removing silencers from the NFA would streamline the purchasing process and reduce the financial burden on gun owners.

However, opponents of the changes, including many gun control advocacy groups, expressed strong concerns that loosening regulations on silencers would make firearms more accessible to criminals and increase gun violence. They argue that silencers can conceal the sound of gunshots, making it more difficult to identify shooters and hindering investigations. They also point to the potential for increased use of silencers in mass shootings and other violent crimes.

The parliamentarian's ruling is non-binding, but it carries significant weight and is rarely challenged. Senate leaders from both parties typically respect the parliamentarian's decisions. This effectively ends the immediate prospect of the Republican-led rollback through the budget reconciliation process.

What's Next?

The defeat in the Senate raises questions about the future of Republican efforts to ease gun regulations. While they could attempt to pass the legislation through other means, such as a standalone bill, it would face a much tougher challenge given the current political climate and the likelihood of a filibuster. The issue is likely to remain a contentious point of debate in Congress, with both sides digging in their heels.

This setback highlights the complexities of navigating the legislative process and the limitations of using budget reconciliation for contentious issues. It also underscores the ongoing debate over gun control in the United States, a debate that shows no signs of abating.