By Tanya Metaksa
What’s New—H.R. 4, the Recissions Act, was signed by President Trump on July 24: Bill: H.R.3944 – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026: Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) has introduced on July 22, 2024, an amendment to this bill that would levy a firearms transfer tax of $4,709 for each firearm; A Congressional hearing on H.R. 180, the Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act of 2025, was held on July 22, 2025, by the House Committee on Natural Resources; Politics: Virginia: Support Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for Governor Check out candidates for House of Delegates being supported by Giffords; Wyoming: On Aug. 12, the Joint Judiciary Committee is holding a work session.
Federal Legislation
H.R. 4, the Recissions Act, was signed by President Trump on July 24. Most of the recissions (commonly known as cuts in spending) were in programs that do not affect Second Amendment issues. However, despite Democratic opposition, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which has consistently promoted anti-Second Amendment public policy, was scheduled for $1.1 billion in cuts, which would effectively eliminate federal funding for NPR, PBS, and their member stations for the next two years.
Bill: H.R.3944 – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026: Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) has introduced on July 22, 2024, an amendment to this bill that would levy a firearms transfer tax of $4,709 for each firearm.
The Firearms Policy coalition posted the following comment: regarding H.R.38: the flawed right to carry federal legislation: “If Congress does not soon enact quality nationwide carry legislation – with reciprocity and preemption – before the 2026 mid-term elections, then we may never see that in our lifetimes.”
Hearings
A Congressional hearing on H.R. 180, the Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act of 2025, was held on July 22, 2025, by the House Committee on Natural Resources, specifically the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. Below is a summary of the hearing based on available information.
Purpose of H.R. 180: The bill aims to amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 to enhance transparency and regulatory clarity in the listing, management, and delisting of species. It seeks to:
– Require greater public disclosure of data used in ESA listing decisions.
– Ensure more rigorous economic impact assessments for proposed listings or critical habitat designations.
– Streamline consultation processes to reduce burdens on federal agencies and private landowners.
– Improve coordination with states and local governments in species recovery efforts.
Opponents, including most environmental groups, expressed concerns that the bill could weaken protections for endangered species by prioritizing economic interests and limiting scientific discretion in listing decisions. No final vote on the bill was reported during the hearing, but it advanced to markup, indicating committee support for further consideration.
Politics
Virginia: The Governor’s race in 2025 will probably be the most important race impacting Second Amendment legislation next year. Governor Glen Youngkin has been a strong advocate for Second Amendment rights, vetoing numerous anti-gun proposals during his four-year term. The Republican 2025 candidate is current Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. Politico has reported that “a recent poll from Virginia Commonwealth University has her trailing Democrat Abigail Spanberger by double digits — 49 percent to 37 percent.”
“Earle-Sears, Virginia’s lieutenant governor, is attempting to become the first Black woman ever elected governor in the nation’s history, and the first Virginia Republican in nearly 30 years to succeed a sitting GOP governor. Democrats and Republicans alike see the governor’s race as an important bellwether ahead of the 2026 midterms and an appraisal of President Donald Trump’s first few months back in office.”
For Virginia gun owners, this election is crucial. Giffords.org, which thinks the election is critical, posted an endorsement alert for House of Delegates candidates on x.com: “Today, we’re proud to support 13 champions running in must-win races to expand the gun safety majority in the Virginia House of Delegates.”
Click on the link for the endorsement alert lto see all those running for House of Delegates you should vote against.
State Legislatures
The following states are still in SESSION:
California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
With only six states still in session, and California also in recess for July, Second Amendment legislative activity at the state and local level is almost at a standstill..
Florida: Don”t Forget! Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget includes a Second Amendment sales tax holiday from September 4 through December 30, 2025—. from hunting season through Christmas!
Wyoming: On Aug. 12, the Joint Judiciary Committee is holding a work session. The agenda does not contain any proposed legislative subjects that affect the Second Amendment.
