Congressman Patronis Introduces the “Firearm Freedom Act” to Defend the Second Amendment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) introduced the Firearm Freedom Act, legislation to eliminate the 1986 Hughes Amendment, which banned the purchase, ownership, and transfer of machine guns and limited Americans’ Second Amendment rights. This is the first time legislation has been introduced to fully repeal the provision.

“For years, Washington bureaucrats and the radical Left have tried to chip away at the constitutional rights of hardworking Americans,” said Congressman Patronis. “The Firearm Freedom Act sends a clear message that we will defend the Constitution, stand up for law-abiding gun owners, and protect the freedoms that make America exceptional. I’ll never back down from fighting for the Second Amendment.”

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America said, “For 40 years, Congress has kicked this fight down the road. The Firearms Freedom Act of 2026 is one of the most important Second Amendment bills introduced in a generation, and Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse it. The Hughes Amendment was unconstitutional the moment it became law, and it’s long past time to repeal it. We’re calling on every pro-gun Member of Congress to cosponsor this bill immediately and to demand a vote in the House.” 

The Firearm Freedom Act would:

• Repeal the Hughes Amendment ban on machine guns.
• Restore lawful access for responsible American gun owners.
• Refocus federal firearm enforcement on criminals and illegal gun trafficking, not responsible gun owners.

The Firearm Freedom Act strengthens Second Amendment protections and pushes back against federal overreach targeting responsible gun owners.

To view the Firearm Freedom Act click here.

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