Lynchburg Reporter

Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) has introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing Act (SHUSH Act) in Washington, D.C. The act aims to deregulate suppressors at the federal level and preempt state laws that regulate, tax, or prohibit the possession of suppressors. Good emphasized the importance of protecting the people's right to keep and bear arms without undue regulations or taxes, extending these rights to safety accessories for firearms. He stated, “My legislation would eliminate the overly complicated and antiquated process for acquiring suppressors and ensure that those purchases are no longer subject to federal regulation.”

Hunter King, Director of Political Affairs at the National Association for Gun Rights, expressed support for the SHUSH Act, highlighting the need to treat suppressors as accessories akin to magazines, scopes, or gun stocks. King warned against setting a precedent for further regulations on firearm accessories. Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at Gun Owners of America, commended Rep. Good for his leadership on suppressors, citing the issue of hearing loss in the shooting community as a significant concern. Johnston urged Congress to act and eliminate what he views as unconstitutional regulations under the National Firearms Act.

Under the current National Firearms Act (NFA) regulations, individuals must seek approval, register their suppressors with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and pay a $200 tax. The process of purchasing a suppressor can result in delays lasting up to a year or longer.

The SHUSH Act has garnered support from seven co-sponsors, including Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Brian Babin (TX-36), Matt Rosendale (MT-02), Barry Moore (AL-02), and Ralph Norman (SC-05). Two supporting groups, the National Association for Gun Rights and Gun Owners of America, have also backed the legislation.