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U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, has proposed legislation that would lift the State Department’s ban on the exportation of American-made suppressors to existing commercial markets overseas. The Suppressor Export Act of 2016 was introduced Friday.
“The United States should be cautious when exporting weapons and accessories, but there is no reason for a blanket ban on the export of suppressors, which are used for hearing protection,” said Rep. Stewart.
American manufacturers have long been known as producers of the highest quality firearm suppressors on the global market. But in the midst of a thriving foreign commercial marketplace, the current ban is only serving to hinder a major growth opportunity for the suppressor industry.
Knox Williams, president and executive director of the American Suppressor Association, hailed the legislation. “Rep. Stewart’s Suppressor Export Act will give American manufacturers the opportunity to compete in established foreign marketplaces for the first time,” Williams said.
