Bill Overview
Title: RETURN our Constitutional Rights Act of 2022
Description: This bill repeals the excise taxes on firearms and ammunition and on bows and arrows. It also repeals the excise tax on transferring and making firearms under the National Firearm Act.
Sponsors: Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]
Target Audience
Population: People who buy firearms, ammunition, or archery equipment
Estimated Size: 83000000
- The bill concerns repealing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, affecting individuals who purchase these items.
- In the United States, there is a significant population of gun owners and individuals involved in the sale and purchase of firearms and ammunition.
- According to a 2021 survey, it is estimated that around 32% of U.S. adults personally own a gun, and more households have guns owned by other members.
- The sales of firearms and ammunition are not limited to one demographic or state, effectively impacting the entire U.S. population due to nationwide availability.
Reasoning
- The RETURN our Constitutional Rights Act of 2022 seeks to repeal excise taxes on firearms and related equipment.
- The target population includes a significant portion of firearm owners, who may directly benefit financially from lower purchase prices.
- However, the effects on wellbeing may vary as they depend on factors such as personal values, economic impact, and social perceptions.
- We need to consider the socio-political landscape, as views on firearms are quite polarized in the U.S.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy should focus on demographic areas with higher concentrations of firearm owners while assessing financial impacts on associated industries.
- The benefit may not be universally felt as it primarily impacts those who are currently active in purchasing firearms or archery equipment.
Simulated Interviews
Rancher (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the repeal because it'll reduce my costs on ammunition for the ranch.
- This gives me a sense of security without overbearing taxes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Software Engineer (California)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe repealing these taxes sends the wrong message, reinforcing gun culture.
- I'm concerned about potential increases in gun accessibility and safety issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Police Officer (Pennsylvania)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Repealing these taxes helps gun enthusiasts like me save money.
- It's nice to see recognition of Second Amendment rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Emergency Nurse (Illinois)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried that repealing these taxes could lead to more firearms in circulation, increasing injury risks.
- Taxes are a way to fund safety and education programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Firearm Dealer (Florida)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Lower taxes mean I can offer more competitive prices, possibly boosting sales.
- I'm curious to see if demand increases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Student (New York)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think about firearms much, but I dislike the idea of reducing regulations.
- I hope the money saved on taxes goes to something good.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran (Virginia)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This repeal feels like a win for personal freedom and self-defense rights.
- I appreciate less government involvement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Community Organizer (Michigan)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fear repealing these taxes could lower the barrier for obtaining firearms, increasing potential for violence.
- We need stricter controls, not less.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Hunter and Outdoor Enthusiast (Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will make my hobby more affordable, which I welcome.
- It's a good step in the right direction for outdoorsmen.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Lawyer (Ohio)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this repeal affects the balance between rights and community safety.
- It'll be interesting to see how legal frameworks adapt.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 2: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 3: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 5: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 10: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Year 100: $800000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $900000000)
Key Considerations
- The removal of excise taxes may increase consumer purchasing power specifically in the firearms and ammunition market.
- The bill poses potential impacts on conservation programs that currently benefit from tax revenues.
- The socio-political implications involve balancing fiscal impacts with potential Second Amendment advocacy.