Newhouse Backs Legislation to Remove Unconstitutional Tax on Firearms Transfers

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Rep. Ashley Hinson (RI-IA) and 59 Members of Congress from across the country to introduce the Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises Act (RIFLE Act). Under current law, there is a $200 tax on the transfer and purchase of firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act. This legislation would remove the existing $200 tax on firearms sold to law-abiding gun owners.

"Law-abiding citizens should not have to fear the federal government regulating their firearms out of existence," said Rep. Newhouse. "This tax is unconstitutional and infringes on our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to oppose any attempts to encroach on Central Washingtonians' right to bear arms."

Background:

Under current law, there is a $200 tax on the transfer and purchase of firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the $200 transfer tax was intended to "to curtail, if not prohibit, transactions" of firearms.
The federal government intentionally placed a financial barrier on the Second Amendment, discriminating against individuals based on their level of expendable income.
The RIFLE Act would remove the infringing tax on firearms governed under the National Firearms Act, including short-barreled rifles and silencers.
This legislation would also ensure that pistols with stabilizing braces would not be subject to the $200 transfer tax.
This legislation does not modify any current background check provisions, it solely removes the federally-mandated financial burden on law-abiding gun owners.

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