FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2026
CONTACT:
Kyra Smith (Crapo)
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo is joining a legislative effort to cut red tape for firearms businesses and ensure gun owners can safely exercise their Second Amendment rights without fear of criminalization.
The Protecting Americans Right to Silence (PARTS) Act is proactive legislation that would modernize the outdated definition of a suppressor to align with current technologies and practices and provide much-needed clarity for manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
“The ambiguous rules surrounding firearm suppressors and their components have made it harder for lawful firearm owners, manufacturers and local businesses to operate with confidence,” said Crapo. “By clarifying the definition of a firearm suppressor, this legislation prevents overreach through unconstitutional rulemaking and helps protect the rights of gun owners in Idaho and across America.”
The bill is supported by Silencer Shop, the American Suppressor Association, the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Firearm Regulatory Accountability Coalition.
The PARTS Act was introduced by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) and currently has 11 co-sponsors, including Crapo. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas).
Background on the PARTS Act:
The bill would redefine ‘suppressor’ or ‘silencer’ to focus on complete devices and a single principal component–similar to a firearm’s frame or receiver–rather than broad terms like “combination of parts” or “any part intended only for use” in a suppressor. The bill also streamlines the purchase of consumable suppressor parts, such as wipes, without requiring additional Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms paperwork.
The current definition of “firearm suppressor” under the Gun Control Act could be interpreted to classify each individual component of a suppressor as a suppressor itself, leading to potential overreach through unconstitutional rulemaking.
Read more on the bill HERE. Read the full bill text HERE.
About Brian Almon
Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.
