Should Congress deregulate and tax firearm silencers?

Crime and Law Enforcement (e.g., Gun Laws)
Hearing Protection Act (H.R. 404)
Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill seeks to deregulate firearm silencers, which are currently subject to taxation under the National Firearms Act (NFA). It aims to do so by amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove silencers from the definition of "firearm." This change would eliminate the additional tax on silencers in the sale of a firearm, end federal registration requirements, and effectively treat silencers as firearm safety devices under federal law. Sponsor: Rep. Ben Cline (Republican, Virginia)
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Opponents say

•    "Silencers make mass shootings worse, more deadly. They make it harder for victims and law enforcement to locate the source of the shooting. What is beautiful about that?" Source: Rep. Gabe Amo (Democrat, Rhode Island, District 1)


•    "So like many of you, I can’t say that I’m shocked. I’m disgusted that Republicans would include in their ‘Screw Americans Bill,’ this provision. And I really want to ask: Who asked for this? Was it the assassin lobby? So let me get this straight ... Republicans are cutting health care on 13.7 million Americans, but making silencers cheaper? Make it make sense … cutting the tax to zero. What planet are you even on to propose such a provision?" Source: Rep. Steven Horsford (Democrat, Nevada, District 4)


•    "As a combat veteran, a lifelong hunter and gun owner, I can tell you this has nothing to do with hearing protection, but everything to do about making money for one segment of the gun industry." Source: Rep. Mike Thompson (Democrat, California, District 4)

Proponents say

•    "Suppressors are a vital tool for responsible gun owners that protect hearing, enhance safety, and reduce firearm noise—but thanks to Hollywood and federal overreach, they’ve been unfairly vilified. Law-abiding Americans shouldn’t have to endure months of red tape and pay an additional tax just to access a safety accessory." Source: Rep. Michael Cloud (Republican, Texas, District 27)


•    "For too long, firearm suppressors have been overregulated by those who want to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights. This commonsense legislation would cut burdensome red tape and ensure Americans can protect their hearing when using a firearm, and I’m glad to support it once again." Source: Sen. John Cornryn (Republican, Texas)


•    "Federal red tape continues to follow the false Hollywood narrative that suppressors are silent, and ignores the reality that they serve a genuine purpose in protecting the hearing of law-abiding American citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. It is past time Congress removes the burdensome barriers to accessing this equipment for the safety of Idaho’s hunters and sportsmen." Source: Sen. Mike Crapo (Republican, Idaho)

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