Brookhaven Daily Leader
Equal Shot Act aims to protect gun-related businesses
By Daily Leader Staff
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), of Brookhaven, recently joined with Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) to induce legislation to prevent the Small Business Administration from discriminating against firearms-related businesses with its loan programs.
The Equal Shot Act (S.2562) responds to concerns of politically-motivated discrimination against gun-related businesses and seeks to ensure all eligible small businesses receive fair, unbiased treatment. Hyde-Smith also cosponsored Risch’s Senate Resolution 342, recognizing 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,” 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,” Risch said. “The Equal Shot Act defends the Second Amendment rights of (our) 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.