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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eric Burlison (MO-07) has introduced two significant pro-Second Amendment bills in the 119th Congress: H.R. 335, known as the Repeal the NFA Act, and H.R. 221, the Abolish the ATF Act. Both proposals aim to dismantle federal restrictions on gun ownership and enforcement agencies that many gun rights advocates view as unconstitutional and burdensome.
H.R. 335 – Repeal the NFA Act
On January 13, 2025, Rep. Burlison, along with co-sponsors Reps. Andy Biggs (AZ), Andy Ogles (TN), Barry Moore (AL), Randy Weber (TX), Harriet Hageman (WY), and Mike Collins (GA), introduced H.R. 335, which seeks to repeal the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
The NFA currently imposes strict regulations, tax stamps, and registration requirements on certain firearms, including short-barreled rifles, shotguns, suppressors, and machine guns. Burlison’s legislation would eliminate Chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code, effectively removing these federal restrictions.
What’s Next for H.R. 335:
The bill now sits in the House Committee on Ways and Means. If it garners enough support, it could proceed to hearings, markups, and eventually a House floor vote. However, its advancement depends heavily on committee leadership priorities and broader Republican support.
H.R. 221 – Abolish the ATF Act
Introduced on January 7, 2025, H.R. 221 calls for the complete dissolution of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Lauren Boebert (CO), Andy Biggs (AZ), Mike Collins (GA), Bob Onder (MO), Andy Ogles (TN), Mary Miller (IL), Keith Self (TX), and Paul Gosar (AZ). The bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
The ATF has long been criticized by gun rights groups for overreach and inconsistent enforcement of firearms laws. Rep. Burlison and his colleagues argue that the agency is redundant and that its responsibilities could be reassigned to other federal entities.
What’s Next for H.R. 221:
This bill must be reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee before it can progress. Similar to H.R. 335, the future of this bill will depend on whether it receives a committee hearing and gains momentum among House Republicans.
These two bills underscore growing momentum among some members of Congress to roll back federal firearms regulations and reduce the role of agencies perceived as infringing on constitutional rights. While both bills face long odds in a divided Congress, they reflect a clear signal to Second Amendment supporters that the fight for gun rights remains a central issue for many lawmakers.
Rep. Burlison’s efforts represent a bold stance in defense of the Second Amendment. By pushing to repeal the NFA and dismantle the ATF, he is aligning with a significant portion of the American gun-owning public who believe that firearm regulations should be simplified and constitutional rights restored.
