In a highly contested 215-214 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a federal budget bill that includes a key provision for gun rights advocates: removing suppressors (silencers) from the National Firearms Act (NFA).
What This Means for Gun Owners
If signed into law, this change would eliminate the lengthy federal process currently required to purchase a suppressor. Buyers would no longer need to:
- Submit fingerprints and photos
- Wait months for ATF approval
- Pay a $200 tax stamp
This marks a significant step toward the Hearing Protection Act, which aims to treat suppressors like standard firearms rather than heavily regulated devices.
Suppressor Deregulation: A Win for Second Amendment Supporters
Gun rights advocates are calling this the most impactful Second Amendment development in years. Although the bill did not include every proposal—such as the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act—the inclusion of suppressor reform is seen as meaningful progress.
Suppressors, often misunderstood due to media portrayals, do not make guns silent. Instead, they reduce the noise of gunfire to safer levels, helping protect shooters’ hearing, especially during extended outdoor sessions or tactical training.
Law Enforcement and Military Already Use Suppressors
The benefits of suppressors have already been recognized by federal agencies. According to Bearing Arms, U.S. military personnel are receiving suppressors alongside the new XM7 rifle. The ATF has also equipped its agents with them, citing the need for hearing protection and improved safety.
Supporters argue that if suppressors are safe and effective for government use, civilians should have access to the same technology.
Opponents Say Ear Protection Is Enough—Advocates Disagree
Gun control advocates argue that earplugs or earmuffs can provide sufficient hearing protection. But Second Amendment supporters point out that even government agencies chose suppressors over cheaper options—suggesting that better solutions exist.
What’s Next: The Fight Moves to the Senate
The future of suppressor deregulation now depends on the Senate, where opposition may be stronger. Groups like Bearing Arms are encouraging gun owners to contact their senators and show support for including the Hearing Protection Act in the final version of the budget.
If passed, this legislation would bring the most significant change to federal firearm policy in decades—removing suppressors from the NFA and making them more accessible to law-abiding citizens.
A Step Forward, Even Without the SHORT Act
Although some gun rights supporters are disappointed that the SHORT Act wasn’t included, many see this as a valuable incremental win. Removing short-barreled rifles from NFA regulation remains a goal, but will likely require separate legislation in the future.
🚨BREAKING🚨
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) May 22, 2025
The manager's amendment to the One Big Beautiful Bill includes the Hearing Protection Act—fully removing suppressors from the National Firearms Act of 1934.
As a backup under the Byrd Rule, the transfer & making tax is also reduced from $200 to $0. pic.twitter.com/yVQAqjpvyA
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