As the newly elected representative for Wisconsin’s 8th District, U.S. Rep. Tony Wied has made defending Second Amendment rights a cornerstone of his agenda. Emphasizing his commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms, Wied has cosponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at safeguarding and expanding gun rights while opposing what he describes as overreach by the Biden administration.

Below is an overview of his efforts, including details of the bills he supports, as he works to ensure the rights of law-abiding gun owners are upheld.

Wied recently cosponsored H.Res. 339, introduced by Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX). This resolution formally condemns the Biden administration’s policies, which Wied and other supporters argue undermine Second Amendment protections. The resolution accuses the administration of implementing measures that infringe on the constitutional rights of Americans to keep and bear arms. Additionally, it praises the Trump administration’s past and ongoing efforts to bolster Second Amendment rights, signaling strong Republican support for gun-friendly policies. H.Res. 339 serves as a symbolic rebuke, rallying congressional opposition to perceived anti-gun policies while reaffirming the importance of constitutional protections.

In addition to this resolution, Wied has backed H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This bill seeks to create a federal framework allowing individuals who are legally permitted to carry a concealed firearm in their home state to do so in other states, provided they follow local laws. The legislation aims to resolve the patchwork of state-specific concealed carry laws, which can create confusion and legal risks for gun owners traveling across state lines.

For example, a Wisconsin resident with a concealed carry permit could carry their firearm in states with differing regulations, as long as they comply with those states’ restrictions. Supporters argue this enhances personal freedom and safety, while critics warn it could undermine states’ rights to regulate firearms within their borders.

Wied has also thrown his support behind H.R. 221, the Abolish the ATF Act. This controversial bill calls for the dissolution of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the federal agency responsible for enforcing gun laws, regulating firearms commerce, and investigating firearms-related crimes. Proponents of the bill, including Wied, contend that the ATF has overstepped its authority, imposing burdensome regulations on law-abiding gun owners and businesses. The bill reflects a broader push among some conservatives to reduce federal oversight of firearms, though its passage would face significant hurdles given the ATF’s role in public safety and law enforcement.

Another key piece of legislation Wied supports is H.R. 2395, the SHORT Act (Second Amendment Rights and Occupational Responsibility Act). This bill aims to amend the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 by removing certain categories of firearms from its regulatory scope. Specifically, it would deregulate short-barreled rifles (barrels under 16 inches), short-barreled shotguns (barrels under 18 inches), and “certain other weapons” as defined by the NFA.

Currently, these firearms require owners to register with the ATF, pay a $200 tax stamp, and undergo extensive background checks, a process that can take months. The SHORT Act seeks to eliminate these requirements, arguing they place undue burdens on law-abiding gun owners. For example, a short-barreled rifle, often used for home defense or tactical purposes, would no longer face the same federal restrictions, streamlining ownership. Critics, however, argue that deregulating such firearms could increase risks to public safety.

Wied has vowed to continue defending Americans’ constitutional protections against what he sees as government overreach. As these bills move through Congress, they are likely to spark heated debates over the balance between individual freedoms and public safety, with Wied at the forefront of the fight for gun owners’ rights.