Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Mike Lee have reintroduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act, a legislative proposal aimed at reducing regulations on firearm suppressors. The bill intends to streamline the purchasing process for law-abiding citizens by removing what it describes as unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

The SHUSH Act has received backing from several organizations, including the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Senator Marshall emphasized the importance of silencers in protecting hearing while exercising Second Amendment rights. "The misinformation around silencers has led many to fear and misunderstand this valuable tool," he stated. "Silencers help gun owners across America protect their hearing and safely exercise their Second Amendment Right – restricting access to a safety tool for gun owners just doesn’t make sense."

Senator Lee also highlighted misconceptions about silencers: "Despite what Hollywood may lead you to believe, silencers aren’t silent, and they aren’t just for secret agents." He added that making them difficult to obtain is an attack on Second Amendment rights.

Suppressors are commonly used by hunters and marksmen to reduce noise, recoil, and muzzle blast without completely silencing firearms. Currently, acquiring a suppressor legally involves a complex process through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

If enacted, the SHUSH Act would work alongside the Hearing Protection Act to further deregulate suppressors by removing them from restrictions under the Gun Control Act of 1968.