Newtown Action Alliance Condemns Trump-Backed Tax Bill That Deregulates Dangerous Firearm Silencers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2025

Contact:

John Kelley

917-679-6475

jkelley@newtownaction.org

Newtown Action Alliance Condemns Trump-Backed Tax Bill That Deregulates Dangerous Firearm Silencers

NEWTOWN, CT — Today, Newtown Action Alliance, a national grassroots gun violence prevention organization founded after the Sandy Hook shooting, condemns the House passage of President Donald Trump’s grossly irresponsible tax bill, which quietly includes a deadly provision to eliminate nearly a century of federal regulation of firearm silencers under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

“For over a decade, we’ve fought to pass laws that would prevent another Sandy Hook — and yet, House Republicans just handed a gift to the gun lobby and mass shooters by deregulating silencers,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. “The Trump administration has shown once again that it is more committed to gun industry profits than protecting our children, families, and communities.”

Silencers reduce the sound of gunfire and obscure muzzle flash, making it harder for victims and law enforcement to respond in time to an active shooter. These devices were strictly regulated after 1934 for a good reason — but under this tax bill, they could soon be bought, sold, or even 3D printed with no registration or background checks.

“After the Sandy Hook shooting, we said ‘never again,’” continued Murray. “But with this provision, Congress is enabling the next mass shooter to ambush their victims in silence — just like what happened in Virginia Beach, Monterey Park, and far too many other places where silencers were used to carry out deadly attacks.”

The bill not only removes the $200 tax and registration requirements but also eliminates fingerprinting and background checks for silencer purchases. This would allow anyone — including domestic abusers, violent extremists, and those prohibited from owning firearms — to obtain or manufacture silencers with no oversight.

“This is not responsible governance. This is a betrayal,” added Murray. “Instead of protecting the American people, House Republicans are using the legislative process to sneak in favors for the gun industry under the cover of a tax bill. We urge the Senate to strip this dangerous provision before more lives are lost.”

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Newtown Action Alliance (http://alliance.newtownaction.org/) is a Newtown-based, national grassroots organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Our mission is to achieve the steady and continuous reduction of gun violence through legislative and cultural changes.