Previously under Barack Obama’s law, anyone diagnosed with a mental illness is subject to a background check when trying to buy a gun.
But the Republican-controlled House has voted 235 to 180 to abolish the rule.
The regulation has affected nearly 75,000 US citizens diagnosed with mental health conditions, like extreme anxiety and schizophrenia.
The motion will now be considered by the Senate.
Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to share information about anyone who is ineligible to purchase a firearm.
But Republicans argue that the rule stigmatises people suffering from mental health issues.
‘The Obama administration’s rule is discriminatory and deprives law-abiding Americans of their constitutional rights,’ said House Judiciary Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte in a statement.
But those in support of the rule, which was introduced shortly before Obama left office, argue it is to protect people from harming themselves and others.
Erika Soto Lamb, the chief communications officer for Everytown for Gun Safety, told The Independent: ‘Our public safety has been put at risk because of today’s gun lobby-backed manoeuvre to advance their agenda of more guns for anyone, no questions asked.’
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