U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has joined with Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) to introduce new legislation aimed at preventing the Small Business Administration (SBA) from discriminating against firearms-related businesses in its loan programs.
The bill, known as the Equal Shot Act (S.2562), is intended to address concerns that gun-related businesses have faced political discrimination under recent administrations. The legislation seeks to ensure that all eligible small businesses are treated fairly and without bias when seeking SBA support. In addition to this bill, Hyde-Smith has also co-sponsored a resolution introduced by Risch—S.Res.342—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.”
If enacted, S.2562 would prohibit the SBA Administrator from implementing any policy or guidance that restricts firearm entities or related organizations from applying for loans or loan guarantees under existing federal small business laws.
The legislation is supported by several advocacy groups including the National Rifle Association, Gunowners of America, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Association of Gun Rights. The bill has been referred to the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee for consideration.
The accompanying resolution for National Shooting Sports Month highlights how small firearms manufacturers contribute to preserving Americans’ rights through activities such as hunting, target shooting, and marksmanship competitions. It also acknowledges their role in promoting safe firearm handling practices and civic engagement through various clubs and events.
