Chairman Smith On the House Floor: Less-than-Lethal Weapons Should Not Be Taxed Like Firearms

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) delivered the following statement during debate on H.R. 2189 - Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-escalate Act.

As prepared for delivery.

"I rise today in support of H.R. 2189, which includes the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act, led by Congressman David Schweikert.

"This legislation shines a bright light on how our laws actually work in the real world, where outdated policy can get in the way of safer outcomes.

"At the end of the day, this is about encouraging tools that help de-escalate conflict and reduce the chances of serious injury or loss of life. Across the country, law enforcement officers are asked to resolve dangerous situations every day with the least harm possible. Less-than-lethal devices-like tasers and similar technologies-exist for exactly that purpose.

"But right now, some of these tools are treated in the tax code like traditional firearms. That means they can face extra taxes and regulatory hurdles that were never designed with such tools in mind. The result is higher costs, more red tape, and slower adoption of technology that can actually make encounters safer for both officers and civilians.

"This bill fixes that mismatch. It makes clear that less-than-lethal weapons such as tasers should not be taxed like firearms. It gives clarity to manufacturers, certainty to regulators, and ultimately better access to life-saving tools for law enforcement and the communities they serve.

"I want to thank Representative Schweikert for his leadership on this bill, that keeps our laws on pace with real world solutions that reduce harm and protect our communities."