Silencer industry org hires lobbyists

Post date: Aug 21, 2013 4:54:22 AM

Politico published an item today noting that members of the seasoned legislative relations team at Shockley Scofield Solutions (S-3 Group) have registered as lobbyists for the American Silencer Association. ASA is an industry advocacy group formed by companies including AAC, Gemtech, and Silencerco. S-3's point men for this project seem to have the experience to tackle the job: John Scofield is a former communications director for the House Appropriations Committee, and Jeff Shockey was staff director for the Committee. Moreover, both men have also lobbied for the NRA.

According to Roll Call, the two hired guns were brought on board with the goal of fully funding the NFA branch at ATF, presumably to whittle down the application wait times that have markedly increased since the end of 2012. Roll Call says:

"They will lobby on funding for the National Firearms Act Branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which maintains the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Branch also processes applications and notices associated with the manufacture, registration, transfer and transportation of National Firearms Act firearms."