Firearm Freedom Act of 2026
HB9009, titled the Firearm Freedom Act of 2026, would repeal the federal ban commonly known as the Hughes Amendment. The bill amends section 922 of title 18 of the U.S. Code by striking subsection (o), which currently prohibits the possession or transfer of machineguns manufactured after the effective date of the federal ban. In practical terms, the measure would remove the federal statutory restriction on machinegun possession and transfer under that subsection.
If enacted, the bill would significantly change federal firearms law by eliminating one of the core federal restrictions on machineguns. That would affect gun owners, firearms dealers, manufacturers, collectors, and law enforcement by removing the current federal prohibition tied to post-ban machineguns. The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, with no recorded committee action or votes in the provided materials.
The bill would amend federal criminal firearms law in 18 U.S.C. § 922 by deleting subsection (o), thereby repealing the federal ban on possession or transfer of machineguns established by the Hughes Amendment. This would alter the legal framework governing machineguns nationwide, potentially expanding lawful possession and transfer under federal law and affecting enforcement, licensing, and compliance obligations for individuals and businesses involved in firearms.
The available record shows introduction by multiple Republican sponsors and referral to the Judiciary Committee, but no committee transcript, vote, or recorded opposition/support in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s subject matter and sponsorship, the measure appears to reflect a pro-gun, deregulatory position, but the provided context does not include formal debate or vote outcomes to indicate broader legislative sentiment.
The central point of contention is the repeal of the machinegun ban itself. Supporters are likely to view the bill as restoring firearm rights and limiting federal regulation, while opponents would likely raise public safety, crime prevention, and law-enforcement concerns about removing restrictions on machinegun possession and transfer. Because no hearings or votes are included, the specific arguments of legislators or stakeholders are not documented in the provided materials.