WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, November 15, Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX) and Jared Golden (D-ME) introduced H.R. 10145, the “Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence Act of 2024” (PARTS Act) to amend the federal definition of “firearm silencer” under the Gun Control Act. This bipartisan effort, supported by Silencer Shop and the American Suppressor Association, aims to modernize the outdated definition, aligning it with current technologies and fostering future innovation.

The PARTS Act refines the definition of a silencer to focus on complete devices and a single principal component—similar to a firearm’s frame or receiver—rather than broad terms like “combination of parts” or “any part intended only for use” in a silencer. This change will provide much-needed clarity for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

Co-sponsored by Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO), the bill also seeks to streamline the purchase of consumable silencer parts, such as wipes, without requiring additional ATF paperwork. This approach mirrors the purchasing process for other non-serialized firearm components, ensuring ease of access for legal silencer owners.

The legislation responds directly to regulatory concerns raised in an ATF open letter from November 2023, which indicated plans to classify individual silencer parts, such as end caps, as regulated silencers. By eliminating ambiguous language, the bill aims to prevent regulatory overreach and provide clear guidance for the industry.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Sound suppressors are mechanical devices attached to the barrel of a firearm designed to reduce harmful impulse noise of firearms at its source. CDC research has shown that “The only potentially effective noise control method to reduce [shooters’] noise exposure from gunfire is through the use of noise suppressors that can be attached to the end of the gun barrel.” Suppressors reduce muzzle blast noise by up to 30 dB. Their benefit is additive when used with ear-level hearing protection devices such as circumaural muffs or ear plugs.

“We are thrilled to add the position statement of AAO-HNS to the growing list of leading experts in the field of audiology and hearing protection that back ASA’s long held position that firearm sound suppressors are, in fact, useful hearing protection devices,” said Owen Miller, ASA Vice President. The science is clear — suppressors help further protect the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, hunting dogs, and nearby participants such as children accompanying their parents in the field.