Your Second Amendment rights are under constant attack by anti-gun radicals embedded in nearly every level of American government. Only constant and relentless effort can pro-Second Amendment politicians and activists work to restore the rights that have been taken from you and protect them forever. Some progress is being made, as you can see with the expansion of state protections for Constitutional Carry. But more must be done.
One area where pro-gun rights officials and politicians are working to restore Americans’ liberty is the purchase of suppressors (also widely known as silencers). In Congress, Rep. Mike Cloud (R-TX27) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), have introduced the SHUSH Act. SHUSH stands for Silencers Help Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act. Sen. Lee explains the proposal with a one-pager that reads:
Senator Lee will re-introduce the Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act (SHUSH Act) to eliminate unnecessary regulation.
BACKGROUND
Suppressors are a non-lethal firearm accessory used by hunters, sportsmen, and marksmen throughout the world. Suppressors make shooting safer by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast.
Currently, law-abiding citizens looking to purchase a suppressor must petition the ATF through a tedious and unconstitutional process. In order to purchase and own a suppressor, a would-be purchaser must:
- Complete two copies of ATF Form 4 (one by the individual, the other by the recognized dealer);
- Form 4 requires the disclosure of personal information such as name, address, and SSN, and then you must include the make, model, and serial number of the suppressor;
- Obtain a certification from a local chief law enforcement office, obtain two copies of fingerprints, and provide a passport style photograph; and
- Submit copies of Form 4, two fingerprint cards, two passport photos, and pay a $200 fee, then wait 90 days to 9 months for ATF approval.
The approval process can take 9-12 months. Once approved, the ATF will return the completed Form 4 with a tax stamp to the recognized dealer, allowing for the final purchase and transfer to take place. These requirements make purchase of a non-lethal gun accessory onerous and prohibitively costly for most consumers. The result is surreptitious gun control.
WHAT THE BILL DOES
This bill will ensure the elimination of all federal regulation—including taxes, fees, and registration requirements—of suppressors, particularly in the U.S. Code. Currently, the Code restricts the right to own and use a suppressor—even for current or retired law enforcement officers. This bill would work in conjunction with the Hearing Protection Act by achieving the same result as that bill while additionally removing suppressors from the coverage of the Gun Control Act of 1968. Suppressors are a non-lethal firearm accessory that makes shooting safer for sportsmen and citizens. This bill rightfully eliminates federal regulation of them.
Action Line: Your Second Amendment rights are under constant attack. Like Rep. Cloud and Sen. Lee, you need to go on the offensive. Get your gun and your training now. Click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
