Automatic Liberty: State Run Program Puts Machine Guns Back in the Hands of America’s Well-Regulated Militia – its People
Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford, defender of armed citizens, is speaking out on groundbreaking legislation in West Virginia that could put machine guns back into the hands of law-abiding Americans — at a time when the country may need them most.
Senators Chris Rose and Z. Maynard, with drafting support from Gun Owners of America, have introduced a bill allowing the state to acquire fully automatic firearms and transfer them legally to qualified citizens.
The measure leverages a loophole in federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) — the Hughes Amendment — which bans post-1986 civilian machine guns but exempts transfers “to or by, or possession by or under the authority of” a state.
Under this legislation, West Virginia would operate state-run distribution centers that follow federal law to the letter while restoring access to military-grade arms for responsible citizens. Willeford emphasizes the timing: with rising threats, crime, and instability, Americans may face some of the most dangerous circumstances in generations. Yet legal avenues to fully equip citizens have been limited — until now.
This proposal isn’t reckless. It follows a centuries-old precedent. From the Militia Act of 1792 to 20th-century military surplus programs, state and federal governments have supplied capable arms to civilians, ensuring the citizenry could defend themselves and the nation.
“This is about preparedness, not lawlessness,” Willeford says. “The Founders expected Americans to have arms powerful enough to protect liberty. Today, that means equipping citizens responsibly — including with machine guns — when danger is real and rising.”
With the bill moving forward, West Virginia could set a historic example for restoring constitutionally protected access to firearms, giving law-abiding Americans the tools to defend themselves, their communities, and the Republic.
Related Articles:
GOA-Backed Legislation in West Virginia Would Restore Lawful Machine Gun Transfers | GOA
Q&A:
- What makes fully automatic firearms critical for law-abiding citizens at a time of rising threats and national danger?
- How does the West Virginia legislation use the federal Hughes Amendment loophole to legally transfer machine guns?
- Why is it important that the state, rather than private sellers, manages these transfers?
- How does this legislation fit within the historical understanding of the Second Amendment and citizen militias?
- What safeguards are in place to ensure only qualified, responsible citizens receive these fully automatic weapons?
- Do you see this as a model for other states to restore constitutional access to military-grade firearms?
- Why has civilian access to machine guns been so restricted, and what risks does that create for law-abiding Americans?
- How does this initiative address the practical dangers Americans face today, and why is timing so urgent?
ABOUT STEPHEN WILLEFORD…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com and www.gunowners.org
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or by email Jerry McGlothlin at bookings@specialguests.com.
