WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration is advancing the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act, a legislative proposal aimed at removing federal regulations on firearm suppressors. Introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX), the bill seeks to eliminate the $200 tax on suppressors and exempt them from background checks and registration requirements under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA) .(
Proponents argue that suppressors, often referred to as silencers, are essential tools for hearing protection among hunters and recreational shooters. They contend that current regulations are outdated and burdensome, making it unnecessarily difficult for law-abiding citizens to access these devices. Senator Lee stated, “Suppressors are a vital tool for hearing protection for countless marksmen and gun enthusiasts across America, and making them prohibitively difficult to obtain is an assault on the 2nd Amendment” .
The SHUSH Act would reclassify suppressors as standard firearm accessories, thereby removing them from the purview of the NFA and GCA. This change would eliminate the need for federal registration, background checks, and the $200 transfer tax currently required for suppressor purchases. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to preempt state laws imposing taxes or registration requirements on suppressors and allows active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed suppressors .
Critics of the SHUSH Act express concerns about public safety implications. Organizations such as Everytown for Gun Safety argue that deregulating suppressors could make it more difficult for law enforcement and the public to detect and respond to gunfire incidents. They emphasize that the distinctive sound of gunshots serves as a critical warning signal during active shooter situations .
The debate over suppressor regulation has intensified in recent years, with gun rights advocates pushing for deregulation and gun control proponents warning of potential risks. The SHUSH Act represents a significant step in this ongoing discourse, reflecting broader tensions between Second Amendment rights and public safety considerations.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Ways and Means Committee. Its future remains uncertain, as it faces opposition from Democratic lawmakers and some moderate Republicans. The outcome of this legislative effort will likely have lasting implications for federal firearms policy and the regulation of firearm accessories.
