The Shadow
Protecting Second Amendment Rights
The Second Amendment protects a fundamental right, and Americans should not face unnecessary federal taxes that burden their ability to exercise it.
As the lead sponsor of the Hearing Protection Act, I was glad to see a provision in H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, that eliminated the National Firearms Act (NFA) tax on suppressors. In addition, H.R. 1 also eliminated the tax on short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns. While this was a step forward in protecting our Second Amendment rights, the NFA still imposes a $200 tax on machine guns and destructive devices.
That’s why I was proud to cosponsor the Freedom from Taxes Act, legislation that would eliminate the remaining federal transfer taxes on firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act and end the annual special occupational tax for certain firearms businesses. The bill would also preserve an existing tax exemption for these firearms.
I will continue supporting legislation that protects our Second Amendment rights, reduces unnecessary federal tax burdens, and upholds the right of law-abiding Americans to protect themselves and their families.
Providing Relief to Virginia’s Farmers
Last week, I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Farmer Recovery Opportunity and Support for Temperatures Relief Act with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) to support farmers across the country recovering from the devastating April 2026 freeze.
The legislation would provide grants to states to help offset revenue losses caused by catastrophic crop freezes. For Virginia’s farmers, the April freeze brought significant losses and uncertainty, threatening their livelihoods and agricultural operations. This legislation would help deliver critical relief so farmers can recover, sustain their operations, and continue feeding our Nation.
Our farmers are the backbone of our nation’s economy and food supply. When disaster strikes, they deserve meaningful action and the resources they need to recover. I will continue working to advance solutions that support Virginia’s agricultural community and protect the future of American farming.
Protecting Virginia’s Forests and Communities
More than 117 million acres of federal land, including 63 million acres within the National Forest System, face a high risk of wildfire. Protecting our forests and the communities that depend on them requires proactive, responsible forest management. That is why I am proud to have signed a letter advocating for passage of legislation that would implement reforms to improve active forest management and strengthen interagency wildfire response capabilities. The bill would enhance fireshed mapping, establish an Interagency Fireshed Center, authorize forest management projects in high-risk firesheds, reauthorize landscape restoration programs, and implement judicial reforms. These measures would help reduce barriers to active forest management by streamlining burdensome regulations and addressing litigation abuse.
As your representative, I remain committed to protecting Virginia’s natural resources, reducing wildfire risks, and preserving the communities we are proud to call home. We must take meaningful action to safeguard our forests for future generations.
Honoring the Service and Legacy of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah
Last week, I had the privilege of honoring Lt. Col. Brandon Shah. I am grateful to his family, fellow service members, and the Augusta County and Staunton communities for coming together to remember a man whose service to his country was matched by his devotion to others. We honor his sacrifice by standing firm against terrorism and protecting the freedoms and security for which he dedicated his life.
Raised in Augusta County and Staunton, Brandon served our Nation with distinction, flying combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Atlantic Resolve. He later returned to the classroom, shaping the next generation of Army leaders at Old Dominion University.
On March 12, Brandon demonstrated the very best of what it means to serve. As his name is added to this Veterans Memorial Plaque, we honor not only his distinguished military career, but also a husband, father, mentor, and neighbor. To Brandon’s family, we continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers. We also pray for the students recovering from this tragic attack. May this community always remember Brandon’s sacrifice and carry his legacy forward.
May his name remind us that true leadership is measured not by rank, but by the lives we protect and the example we leave behind. May God bless his memory, comfort his family, and bless the United States of America.
Recognizing Leadership in the Fight Against Hunger
It was a privilege to honor Pamela Irvine on her retirement from Feeding Southwest Virginia in Salem. We recognized her 45 years of service as the organization’s founder and CEO, welcomed Feeding America CEO Denis McDonough, and celebrated with the community that made this milestone possible.
Feeding Southwest Virginia continues to support our District by working with more than 400 food pantries and meal programs to distribute charitable food across 26 counties and nine cities. I am proud of the work our neighbors continue to do and will keep supporting them in this effort.
Delivering for Virginia’s Sixth District
I am proud to help deliver results for the people of Virginia’s Sixth District. In March 2026, a constituent contacted my office after receiving notice that his tax refund was being held for 60 days. After receiving a second 60-day hold, he visited my Staunton office for help opening an inquiry. With the refund needed to help cover his wife’s medical expenses, resolving the delay was especially important.
My office escalated the case to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), which completed processing in about 14 days, resulting in a refund of $10,938.66.
I am proud of my team’s continued commitment to serving the people of Virginia’s Sixth District. If you need assistance navigating a federal agency or resolving an issue with the federal government, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are here to help.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.
For the latest updates from Washington and across the Sixth District, please follow my Facebook and Twitter pages.
