Bill 119 HR 404, also known as the Hearing Protection Act, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by removing silencers from the definition of firearms. This bill seeks to make it easier for individuals to purchase a...
nd possess silencers, also known as suppressors, for firearms.
Currently, silencers are classified as firearms under the National Firearms Act, which requires individuals to undergo a lengthy and expensive process to obtain them, including paying a $200 tax stamp and undergoing a background check. The Hearing Protection Act would eliminate these requirements, making it easier for individuals to purchase and possess silencers.
Proponents of the bill argue that silencers help protect the hearing of shooters by reducing the noise of gunfire. They also argue that silencers are not inherently dangerous and should not be subject to the same regulations as firearms.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that silencers make it easier for individuals to commit crimes with firearms, as the reduced noise makes it harder for law enforcement and bystanders to identify and respond to gunfire. They also argue that removing regulations on silencers could make it easier for individuals who should not have access to firearms to obtain them.
Overall, Bill 119 HR 404 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to change the regulations surrounding silencers and firearms. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its outcome remains uncertain.