Sens. Tuberville and Risch Unveil Equal Shot Act to Shield Firearm Small Businesses

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R‑AL) and Jim Risch (R‑ID), joined by 16 Republican colleagues, have introduced the Equal Shot Act, a new bill to prevent the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to lawful firearm‑related small businesses. The move comes amid growing concerns that SBA practices under the Biden administration had hindered access to capital for these firms.

Sen. Tuberville strongly criticized these actions, saying: “Under Joe Biden, the Small Business Administration tried to cut off capital to firearm businesses in hopes of forcing them to close… In Alabama, we respect the 2nd Amendment. We respect freedom. And we stand with the small business owners who make our communities stronger and our country safer.” He added: “As a proud gun owner, I will always fight to protect our Second Amendment rights.”

Sen. Risch echoed the message, calling the bill a defense of fairness: “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.” He emphasized that SBA programs must stay neutral and treat firearm businesses like any other eligible enterprise.

The legislation makes it clear that no policy, guidance or practice from the SBA may disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant solely because it is a firearm entity, affiliate, or trade association.

A similar companion version of the Equal Shot Act was introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Roger Williams (R‑TX), chair of the House Small Business Committee. “Unelected officials should not have the power to discriminate against an entire industry based on political bias,” Williams said.

The Senate bill is cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Shelley Moore Capito, Bill Cassidy, Steve Daines, Deb Fischer, Lindsey Graham, Cindy Hyde‑Smith, Jim Justice, John Kennedy, James Lankford, Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis, Tim Scott, and Tim Sheehy.

Earlier this week, Senators Tuberville and Risch unveiled a separate resolution recognizing August 2025 as National Shooting Sports Month. The resolution highlights the economic and cultural value of small‑business firearm manufacturers and promotes safe, responsible shooting sports across the nation.

Sen. Risch remarked that Idaho’s firearm manufacturers “drive innovation, prioritize responsible gun ownership, and protect our Second Amendment traditions.” Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI) also joined in, affirming the contributions of his state’s firearm entrepreneurs.

Industry leaders praised the effort. Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), called the month a chance to celebrate “safety, responsibility, skill development and community.”

August marks the eighth year of National Shooting Sports Month, with ranges and retailers across the U.S. hosting events, promotions, and training sessions to engage both veterans and newcomers.

The Equal Shot Act tackles widely voiced concerns that federal agencies have selectively denied SBA loans or guidance to firearm‑related businesses—a pattern critics trace back to policies akin to “Operation Choke Point.” The bill promises legal clarity and equal access for those businesses that meet standard eligibility rules.

Meanwhile, the resolution naming August as National Shooting Sports Month lends national visibility to firearm‑related small businesses. It encourages community engagement through education and events, while reinforcing the link between responsible gun ownership and local economic contributions.

With the Equal Shot Act and the new resolution, Senators Tuberville, Risch, and their Republican allies are advancing a two‑pronged push: one focused on preserving access to federal business support, and another celebrating the firearm industry’s role in national tradition and commerce. Both efforts reflect their ongoing commitment to defending Second Amendment rights, small business fairness, and shooting sports advocacy.

The full text of the Equal Shot Act is available HERE.