The Hearing Protection Act (HPA), specifically H.R. 404 in the 119th Congress, aims to remove firearm suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA), eliminating the $200 tax stamp, registration requirements, and lengthy approval process. Alternatively, some Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee have proposed a compromise to keep suppressors under NFA regulation but reduce the tax stamp to $0 for transfers, while maintaining the $200 fee for individuals making their own suppressors via ATF Form 1. Below is the current status, next steps, and potential timeline for the tax stamp reduction, based on available information.
Status of the Bill
Current Situation
The HPA (H.R. 404) is stalled in the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO). Despite Republican control, the committee has not advanced the bill in its original form, which seeks full deregulation of suppressors. Instead, a modified version has been proposed, reducing the tax stamp to $0 for suppressor transfers but retaining NFA registration requirements. This compromise, reportedly led by Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN), has drawn criticism from gun rights advocates who argue it falls short of removing suppressors from the NFA entirely. Posts on X and reports indicate frustration, with some claiming the committee is bowing to political pressures or special interests, though these claims lack verified evidence
Committee Dynamics
The Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction because the bill involves tax-related changes (the $200 NFA tax stamp). Some “moderate” Republicans, such as Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), are reportedly hesitant to support full deregulation, potentially due to past support for gun control measures. However, the majority of the committee is Republican, and the bills could pass with sufficient pressure.
Competing Legislation
The Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act (S. 345/H.R. 850), introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), goes further by removing suppressors from both the NFA and Gun Control Act, treating them as standard firearm accessories without background checks. This bill, supported by groups like the NRA and Gun Owners of America, is also under consideration but faces similar legislative hurdles.
What Happens Next
1. Committee Action
– The Ways and Means Committee must finalize its markup of the HPA or a modified version. A markup was scheduled for May 13, 2025, but recent reports suggest the committee is leaning toward the compromise version (zero tax for transfers, NFA intact).
– If the committee approves a bill, it moves to the House floor for a vote. The Republican majority in the House (as of the 119th Congress) increases the likelihood of passage, though the exact timeline depends on leadership priorities and whether the bill is included in a larger reconciliation package, which could bypass Senate filibuster rules.
– If the committee fails to act, the bill remains stalled, potentially until new pressure from constituents or leadership shifts the dynamics.
2. Senate Consideration
– The Senate companion bill (S. 364), led by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), faces a tougher path due to the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster requirement. Republicans hold a majority, but passing the HPA would likely require at least seven Democratic votes, which is unlikely given opposition from gun control groups.
– Including the bill in a reconciliation package could allow passage with a simple majority, but this requires agreement on offsetting revenue losses, as the $200 tax stamp generates significant funds (over $200 million in 2023).
3. Presidential Action
– If the bill passes both chambers, it would go to President Donald Trump (assuming the 2025 session aligns with his term). Trump is expected to sign pro-gun legislation, unlike President Biden, who would likely have vetoed it.
Tax Stamp Reduction to $0: Timeline and Likelihood-
Likelihood
The compromise reducing the tax stamp to $0 for suppressor transfers is gaining traction within the Ways and Means Committee, as it balances political pressures while offering cost savings to gun owners. However, it’s not the preferred outcome for advocates pushing for full NFA removal, and some argue it benefits suppressor manufacturers by maintaining regulatory barriers that keep prices high.
Effective Date
If the committee approves the modified HPA and it passes Congress, the tax reduction could take effect upon enactment (i.e., after Trump signs it into law). Legislative processes typically take months, so even with swift action, the earliest likely effective date would be late 2025 or early 2026. If included in a reconciliation bill tied to Trump’s broader tax or budget agenda, passage could align with budget deadlines (e.g., mid-2025). However, delays in committee or Senate negotiations could push this to 2026 or beyond.
Impact on Purchases
The uncertainty is indeed causing some consumers to delay suppressor purchases, hoping to avoid the $200 tax. However, there’s no guarantee the compromise will pass, and the full deregulation sought by the original HPA is even less certain. Buyers must weigh the risk of waiting against the current cost and wait times (7–9 months for ATF approval).
Additional Context
Public Sentiment
Posts on X reflect strong dissatisfaction among gun owners, with some calling the compromise a “betrayal” and urging primary challenges against committee members. Groups like Gun Owners of America are mobilizing supporters to pressure the committee, emphasizing full deregulation.
Industry Perspective
Suppressor manufacturers, like Silencer Central, support reducing the tax but note that full deregulation would significantly boost demand. The compromise may protect manufacturer margins by maintaining NFA barriers, which could explain some lobbying dynamics.
Legal and Practical Notes
Even with a $0 tax stamp, NFA registration would still require ATF approval, fingerprints, and wait times, limiting the practical impact for consumers. Full removal from the NFA, as in the original HPA or SHUSH Act, would streamline purchases to a simple NICS background check, similar to buying a rifle.
Advice for Consumers: Should You Wait?
Waiting to buy a suppressor in hopes of saving $200 is a gamble. The compromise is not guaranteed to pass, and even if it does, it won’t eliminate registration costs (e.g., fingerprints, photos) or wait times. If you need a suppressor now for hunting or shooting, purchasing sooner may be wiser, especially if demand spikes post-legislation. Consult with a dealer like Silencer Central for guidance on timing and models.
Advocacy
If you support full deregulation, contact the Ways and Means Committee (202-225-3625) or your representatives to demand H.R. 404’s original language. Grassroots pressure could influence the committee’s decision. https://www.
Monitor Developments
Follow updates from pro-gun groups (e.g., NRA-ILA, Gun Owners of America, American Suppressor Association) or platforms like X for real-time developments, as the situation could shift rapidly with committee votes or Trump’s influence.
Conclusion
The Hearing Protection Act is stalled in the House Ways and Means Committee, with a compromise proposal to reduce the suppressor tax stamp to $0 for transfers gaining traction but facing backlash for not removing suppressors from the NFA. The next steps involve committee markup, potential House passage, and a challenging Senate process, with no clear timeline for enactment. A tax reduction, if passed, is unlikely to take effect before late 2025 or 2026. Consumers should weigh the uncertainty against their immediate needs and consider advocating for the bill’s original intent to influence its outcome.
For further details, check the bill’s status on Congress.gov (H.R. 404, S. 364) or contact the Ways and Means Committee directly.
