Marshall advances multiple legislative priorities
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas announced Wednesday the advancement of several legislative priorities, including firearms deregulation, commercial driver requirements, and opposition to medical procedures for transgender youth.
Firearms Legislation Included in Trump Bill
Marshall applauded the inclusion of his Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act in the Senate reconciliation text of President Trump's legislative package. The legislation would remove taxation, registration and regulation of short-barreled rifles and shotguns under the National Firearms Act.
"Short-barreled weapons are the weapons of choice for self-defense, and I am proud to have gotten the SHORT Act into the President's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill,'" Marshall said. The Kansas Republican argued the measure would roll back what he termed "Biden-era abuses" of gun rights.
The bill would also require the ATF to destroy records relating to registration, transfer or manufacture of these firearms and address the Biden administration's pistol brace regulations.
English Requirements for Truck Drivers
Marshall introduced the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act, which would require commercial vehicle license applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi.
"Common sense would tell us that anyone driving on American roads, especially those operating large trucks and trailers, should be capable of understanding what the road signs say or how to communicate with police," Marshall said.
The bill would test applicants on their ability to read traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement and provide directions in English, while prohibiting tests from being administered in other languages.
Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Youth
Marshall praised the Supreme Court's decision upholding Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. The Kansas senator, who practiced medicine for 25 years, characterized the treatments as harmful.
"Today was not just a win for basic biology and common sense, but for human decency, sound medicine, and the dignity and safety of children everywhere," Marshall said.
Marshall's related legislation, the No Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act, is included in Trump's reconciliation package and would bar Medicaid and CHIP from covering gender-transition procedures. The provision would reportedly save $2.5 billion over 10 years.
Iran Conflict Position
In a radio interview, Marshall expressed opposition to deploying American troops in any potential Iran conflict, while supporting Israel's military actions.
"We do not want American troops in there. I think we would all just have a fit to see one American troop in there on the ground," Marshall said. He distinguished between ground troops and potential precision strikes if necessary.
Marshall expressed confidence that "Israel can finish the job on their own" and emphasized that Trump "is not going to get us into another endless war".
The senator also discussed ongoing negotiations over Trump's comprehensive legislative package, noting "incredible progress" while suggesting more spending cuts could be added to the current $2 trillion in proposed reductions.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE HUTCHINSON CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
