Hamadeh Cosponsors Bills to Protect Gun Rights, Suppressors

Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) reaffirmed his support for protecting Americans' 2nd Amendment rights and co-sponsorship of several bills related to firearms suppressors after visiting Phoenix's CANCON gun show.

CANCON is a biannual range day event where visitors can shoot suppressed firearms. The spring event was recently held in Phoenix.

Firearms suppressors, often (mistakenly) called silencers, reduce muzzle flash and recoil while reducing the sound of gunfire (not to the extent seen in movies, contrary to popular belief).

Rep. Hamadeh claimed that suppressor regulations are confusing and could potentially criminalize ownership, so he has cosponsored several pieces of legislation clarifying suppressor laws.

For instance, he is cosponsoring the Protecting Americans' Right to Silence (PARTS) Act, introduced by Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX) and Jared Golden (D-ME), which amends and clarifies the definition of these accessories to prevent misinterpretation leading to criminalization.

Similarly, the Arizona Congressman is the cosponsor of the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) introduced by Representative Ben Cline (R-VA). Rep. Cline's bill removes barriers to purchasing suppressors and ensures easy access.

Finally, Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the bicameral Silencers Help Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act. Their bill similarly reduces suppressor regulations and establishes consistent laws nationwide.

"The muzzle may be quiet, but the message is loud: liberty belongs to the people, not the ATF," Hamadeh said in his press release, adding, "For too long, convoluted policies and misguided definitions have caused confusion and concern, putting targets on gun owners in attempts to weaken our Second Amendment rights. Enough is enough. I, for one, know that we can never do enough to protect our coveted God-given rights, but we must try."

In June, Hamadeh's colleague Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) celebrated the House of Representatives' passage of his amendments to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which protects veterans' rights to purchase and carry firearms.

Rep. Crane sought to remedy the specific issue of veterans being reported to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) via a VA fiduciary, thereby denying their Second Amendment rights.