Repeal the Hughes Amendment to restore firearm rights

Recent signers:
Alexander Tansley and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As American citizens, we have the constitutional right to bear arms—a right that should not be infringed. The Hughes Amendment, passed in 1986 as part of the Firearm Owners' Protection Act, severely limited this right by prohibiting the transfer and civilian ownership of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986. This legislation has unjustly restricted law-abiding citizens from accessing firearms that were once legal to own.

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly states: "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Yet, the Hughes Amendment contradicts this foundational principle, preventing Americans from fully exercising their rights as outlined by our forefathers.

Restoring the ability to transfer legally registered machine guns will ensure that we respect the intentions of the Constitution while allowing enthusiasts, collectors, and responsible citizens the liberty to own and enjoy these historically significant firearms.

We urge Congress to take action and repeal the Hughes Amendment, reinforcing our nation's respect for the Second Amendment. This change would not only honor our constitutional rights but would reinvigorate a dying niche of firearm enthusiasts who are committed to preserving American history and exercising their liberties responsibly.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a rigorous process in place for the registration and transfer of such firearms, ensuring they remain in the hands of responsible owners. Repealing this amendment would not compromise public safety, as stringent background checks and regulations would continue to apply.

Join us in advocating for a return to our constitutional values and the protection of our rights as citizens. Let us work together to make our voices heard on this crucial issue. We need to remind our representatives that the Second Amendment guarantees us the freedom to keep and bear arms, and it is their duty to uphold this fundamental right.

Sign this petition to urge Congress to repeal the Hughes Amendment and restore our ability to own transferable machine guns, a right that was part of the original intention of the Second Amendment. Let’s protect our history and our freedoms for future generations.

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Recent signers:
Alexander Tansley and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As American citizens, we have the constitutional right to bear arms—a right that should not be infringed. The Hughes Amendment, passed in 1986 as part of the Firearm Owners' Protection Act, severely limited this right by prohibiting the transfer and civilian ownership of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986. This legislation has unjustly restricted law-abiding citizens from accessing firearms that were once legal to own.

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly states: "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Yet, the Hughes Amendment contradicts this foundational principle, preventing Americans from fully exercising their rights as outlined by our forefathers.

Restoring the ability to transfer legally registered machine guns will ensure that we respect the intentions of the Constitution while allowing enthusiasts, collectors, and responsible citizens the liberty to own and enjoy these historically significant firearms.

We urge Congress to take action and repeal the Hughes Amendment, reinforcing our nation's respect for the Second Amendment. This change would not only honor our constitutional rights but would reinvigorate a dying niche of firearm enthusiasts who are committed to preserving American history and exercising their liberties responsibly.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has a rigorous process in place for the registration and transfer of such firearms, ensuring they remain in the hands of responsible owners. Repealing this amendment would not compromise public safety, as stringent background checks and regulations would continue to apply.

Join us in advocating for a return to our constitutional values and the protection of our rights as citizens. Let us work together to make our voices heard on this crucial issue. We need to remind our representatives that the Second Amendment guarantees us the freedom to keep and bear arms, and it is their duty to uphold this fundamental right.

Sign this petition to urge Congress to repeal the Hughes Amendment and restore our ability to own transferable machine guns, a right that was part of the original intention of the Second Amendment. Let’s protect our history and our freedoms for future generations.

The Decision Makers

United States Congress
United States Congress
White House
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Petition created on February 24, 2026