U.S. Rep. Ben Cline Congressman for the 6th District of Virginia | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline Congressman for the 6th District of Virginia | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), a legislative proposal aimed at reducing barriers for purchasing firearm suppressors. The act seeks to make it easier for citizens to obtain hearing protection while engaging in activities like hunting and target shooting.
“Americans who enjoy hunting and target shooting should be able to do so safely and legally without facing burdensome government regulations,” stated Rep. Cline. “The Hearing Protection Act will reclassify suppressors, making it easier for law-abiding gun owners to protect their hearing while enjoying recreational activities. It’s time to ensure that our Second Amendment rights are upheld, allowing responsible citizens to enjoy their freedoms without unnecessary obstacles.”
Rep. Cline is supported by several colleagues including Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), among others, as original cosponsors of the bill.
The legislation has garnered support from various organizations such as the American Suppressor Association (ASA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA).
Knox Williams, ASA President and Executive Director commented on the bill stating, “The Hearing Protection Act is the epitome of commonsense legislation. Law-abiding citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing when they exercise their Second Amendment rights."
Lawrence G. Keane from NSSF remarked on suppressors saying, “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage." He emphasized that suppressors do not mask firearm sounds contrary to popular belief.
John Commerford of NRA-ILA also expressed support: "Suppressors do not silence firearms, but they are proven to reduce the severity of hearing loss."
Jeff Crane, CSF President and CEO noted that suppressors are becoming increasingly popular but current laws make them difficult to acquire.
Congressman Ben Cline represents Virginia's Sixth Congressional District and resides in Botetourt County with his family.
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