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HYDE-SMITH TEAMS WITH RISCH TO RESTORE FAIRNESS FOR FIREARMS SMALL BUSINESSES
Hyde-Smith Also Cosponsors Resolution Designating August as National Shooting Sports Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) last week teamed up with U.S. Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) to introduce legislation to stop the Small Business Administration (SBA) from using its loan programs to discriminate against firearms-related businesses.
The Equal Shot Act (S.2562) responds to concerns of politically-motivated discrimination against gun-related businesses under the Biden administration and seeks to ensure all eligible small businesses receive fair, unbiased treatment. Related to this unfair treatment, Hyde-Smith also cosponsored Risch’s S.Res.342, a resolution that recognizes the contributions of small business firearm manufacturers and designates August as National Shooting Sports Month.
“It’s high time we codify protections against discrimination for firearm manufacturers and related businesses. Gun owners and the small businesses that support them have faced dark years. It started with Operation Choke Point, an Obama initiative that pressured financial institutions to cut off services to lawful firearm-related businesses, and it continued under the last administration, which weaponized policies restricting Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “The SBA needs to course correct and again be willing to support small manufacturers of firearms, shooting ranges, or other small businesses associated with the time-honored right to bear arms.”
“Federal agencies have no authority to deny critical support to small businesses based on ideological bias,” Senator Risch said. “The Equal Shot Act defends the Second Amendment rights of Idaho’s small business firearm industry and ensures these law-abiding Americans have fair access to resources that will help them thrive.”
S.2562 would prohibit the SBA Administrator from adopting any policy, practice, guidance, or directive that would restrict a firearm entity, affiliate, or trade association from applying for financial assistance under the Small Business Act or Small Business Investment Act, including loans or loan guarantees.
The National Rifle Association, Gunowners of America, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Association of Gun Rights support the legislation, which has been referred to the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
The National Shooting Sports Month resolution recognizes the role of small manufacturers of firearms in preserving the rights of law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights through shooting sports, including hunting, target shooting, and competitive marksmanship. It also credits shooting sports for promoting safe and responsible firearm handling, outdoor stewardship, and civil engagement through clubs, ranges, and competitions.
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