Equal Shot Act

House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams (R-Texas) introduced the Equal Shot Act of 2025, a key piece of legislation aimed at ensuring fairness in federal small business policy. This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its Administrator from discriminating against firearm-related businesses in the distribution of financial assistance.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 protects small business owners from politically motivated bias, defends Constitutional rights, and guarantees that businesses supporting the Second Amendment have the same access to federal resources as any other eligible enterprise.

“Unelected officials should not have the power to discriminate against an entire industry based on political bias,”  said Chairman Williams. “Firearm-related businesses are owned and operated by hardworking Americans who follow the law, create jobs, and contribute to their communities. They shouldn’t be punished for their values. This bill stands up for their right to compete on a level playing field.”

Click here to view the bill.

Background:

This bill comes as a response to concerns that, under the Biden Administration, federal agencies or financial institutions may have denied support or imposed restrictions on gun-related businesses for political or ideological reasons. This legislation aims to ensure that all eligible small businesses, regardless of industry, are treated fairly and without bias.

This bill is supported by major advocacy organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), Gun Owners of America (GOA), and the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR).

Original cosponsors include Reps. Jack Bergman (R-Michigan), Nick Langworthy (R-New York), Troy Downing (R-Montana), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Mike Collins (R-Georgia), Mark Alford (R-Missouri), Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tennessee), Tony Wied (R-Wisconsin), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wisconsin), Sheri Biggs (R-South Carolina), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), Tim Walberg (R-Michigan), Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi), Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin), Claudia Tenney (R-New York), Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), and Michael A. Rulli (R-Ohio).

Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) will lead the companion legislation in the Senate. 

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HYDE-SMITH TEAMS WITH RISCH TO RESTORE FAIRNESS FOR FIREARMS SMALL BUSINESSES

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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