ASA Secures Return of NFA Examiners During Shutdown

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) has announced a key policy win for gun owners following the October 2025 federal government shutdown.

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After a 20-day lapse in National Firearms Act (NFA) application processing, the ASA confirmed that NFA examiners have returned to work, restoring the review of suppressor and other NFA items nationwide.

According to ASA President and Executive Director Knox Williams, the organization worked directly with the White House, Department of Justice, Office of Management and Budget, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to classify NFA examiners as essential personnel during the shutdown.

When the federal government shut down on October 1, all nonessential federal employees were furloughed, including NFA examiners based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. That meant no suppressor, SBR, or other NFA transfers could be processed, effectively freezing lawful firearm transactions for more than two weeks.

Williams said the ASA began lobbying efforts in early September, anticipating the impact.

“We fought to get the NFA examiners back to work because constitutionally protected rights shouldn’t stop just because Congress can’t pass a funding bill,” he said.

The push to resume NFA operations gained bipartisan attention through Congress.

Representative Ben Cline (R-VA), lead sponsor of the Hearing Protection Act (HPA), organized a letter with 29 House members urging ATF to reinstate examiners.

Following consultation with ASA, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) also contacted the administration to support the move.

“When our committee found out that the federal employees responsible for processing suppressor applications were furloughed, we immediately worked with the Trump administration to ensure our Second Amendment rights were preserved,” Jordan said in a statement. “We’re thankful the administration took swift action to correct the situation and resume processing.”

By October 20, the ATF authorized the return of NFA examiners, ending the 20-day pause.

Williams emphasized that this development sets a precedent for future shutdowns:

“Moving forward, NFA examiners should be deemed essential from day one, meaning suppressor and NFA transfers won’t be interrupted again,” he said.

He also underscored that the issue illustrates deeper flaws in the National Firearms Act system itself.

“This entire episode is another reminder why the NFA should not exist in the first place,” Williams said. “We’re continuing to fight for full deregulation of suppressors and the dismantling of the NFA altogether.”

The ASA continues to lead national advocacy efforts for suppressor rights, promoting education, access, and deregulation at both state and federal levels.

For updates or membership information, visit ASAmember.com.

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