ASA Supports Reintroduction of the PARTS Act to Clarify Suppressor Definitions

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the American Suppressor Association (ASA) issued a statement of support for the reintroduction of the Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act for the 119th Congress. The bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Jared Golden (D-Maine), is a bipartisan proposal aimed at reforming the outdated definition of “firearm silencer” under the Gun Control Act.

“Americans should not be subject to onerous and complicated bureaucracy to safely exercise their rights. Our laws must provide greater clarity to consumers, manufacturers, and retailers of firearm suppressors,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association. “The PARTS Act will reduce regulatory ambiguity and will better align federal law with current technology. On behalf of the suppressor community, the American Suppressor Association applauds Representatives Pfluger, Golden, and their colleagues for their leadership and is proud to support this legislation that will benefit the suppressor industry and all law-abiding gun owners.”

The PARTS Act is co-sponsored by Ben Cline (Va.-06), Michael Rulli (Ohio-33), Mike Ezell (Miss.-04), Claudia Tenney (N.Y.-24), Jack Bergman (Mich.-01), Brian Babin (Texas-36), Riley Moore (W.Va.-02), and Mike Collins (Ga.-10).

Background

  • The PARTS Act refines the definition of a suppressor, narrowing it to cover complete devices or a single essential component, such as a frame or receiver. This shift eliminates the ambiguity of broader terms that have been used in the past, such as “combination of parts,” which has led to regulatory confusion.
  • The PARTS Act eliminates unnecessary paperwork that the ATF requires upon the purchase of consumable suppressor parts, such as wipes. This would be similar to the process during the purchase of other non-serialized firearm components. The PARTS Act will ensure greater access to these parts for legal suppressor owners.
  • The bill also addresses and heads off regulatory concerns that were raised in an open letter to the ATF in November 2023, to prevent plans to classify certain suppressor parts as regulated suppressors.
  • As suppressor wait times reach historic lows, the PARTS Act will better ensure that the growing popularity of suppressed shooting remains accessible and protected under clear, common-sense regulations.
  • This legislation intends to protect access to the market for everyday people while avoiding the regulatory reversals which have historically hurt consumers across industries.

 

About The American Suppressor Association

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is the unified voice of the suppressor community. We exist for one reason and one reason only: to fight for pro-suppressor reform nationwide.

The ability of the American Suppressor Association to fight for pro-suppressor reform is tied directly to our ability to fundraise. Since the ASA’s formation in 2011, we have helped 3 states legalize suppressor ownership, 19 states legalize suppressor hunting, and defeated attempts to ban suppressors in 2 states. This would not have happened without your support. Join us in the fight to help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors by becoming an ASA Member at  www.ASAMember.com.