Texas Sen. Cornyn-backed PARTS Act clears Senate, clarifying federal silencer definition and addressing concerns over bureaucratic overreach in gun ownership
Texas – In a significant legislative move, the U.S. Senate has passed the Protecting Americans Right to Silence (PARTS) Act, a pivotal bill aimed at updating federal regulations concerning firearm silencers. Championed by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), the bill seeks to clarify and modernize the definition of “silencer” in a way that supports the rights of gun owners while ensuring public safety.
The current legislation surrounding silencers, as stipulated under the Gun Control Act, is deemed by many as ambiguous and outdated. It interprets every component of a silencer as a silencer itself, which could lead to excessive regulatory overreach. This interpretation has raised concerns among gun owners about potential infringements on their Second Amendment rights due to bureaucratic misinterpretations and red tape.
The newly passed PARTS Act addresses these issues by redefining a “silencer” to specifically refer to the complete device or its principal component—akin to how a firearm’s frame or receiver is treated. This redefinition aims to prevent the classification of each individual part as a silencer, simplifying the legal landscape for gun owners and reducing unnecessary complications in silencer ownership.
“No law-abiding American should have their Second Amendment rights violated because of outdated language or bureaucratic red tape,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense bill would modernize the definition of a firearm silencer, and I’m glad to support it.”
Furthermore, the PARTS Act proposes to streamline the processes involved in acquiring consumable parts of silencers, such as wipes, which would no longer require additional paperwork from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This aspect of the bill is particularly noteworthy as it aims to make the maintenance and use of silencers more manageable for the average gun owner.
Support for the bill is broad and includes endorsements from major organizations such as the Silencer Shop, American Suppressor Association, National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition. These endorsements reflect a strong consensus within the firearms community that the PARTS Act represents a positive step forward in gun legislation.
With its passage in the Senate, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If enacted, it will mark a significant update to gun control regulations, balancing the need for safety with the constitutional rights of gun owners. The firearms community and legislative observers alike are keenly watching the progression of this bill, recognizing its potential to set a new standard for gun legislation in the years to come.
