Congressional funding deals announced Sunday night overturn years of “discriminatory” policies that Republican opponents have argued could limit veterans' Second Amendment rights. be.
The provisions contained in Military Construction, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act For fiscal year 2024, prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from submitting veterans' names to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check without a judge's consent. House Republicans argue that without the provision, veterans in need of financial help but who pose no threat could be stripped of their Second Amendment right to own firearms.
“For too long, the men and women who have fought for all of America's constitutional rights have been unfairly treated differently when it comes to their rights,” said Republican Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. said Congressman Mike Bost (Illinois). regulations, Said In a statement. “Veterans should not forfeit their constitutional right to bear arms simply because they need help managing their finances, and should not rely on Veterans Affairs bureaucrats when they are a danger to themselves or others. The judge should make that decision.” (Related: Veterans Administration officially overturns abortion ban despite Republican opposition)
Bost said that under existing policy and a law dating back to 1993, veterans who prove unable to manage their own finances and benefits are automatically reported to the NICS list without informed consent. It is said that Veterans would be barred from purchasing firearms, even if a court has not determined they are likely to cause harm to themselves or others.
Legislation to end “discriminatory” practices is “long overdue,” he added.
Democratic lawmakers opposed the move, saying it would raise the hurdles federal workers must clear to report potential threats. according to To military news.
According to Military Times, Bost said that in 2022, approximately 8,000 veterans will be reported to NICS primarily for reasons related to financial issues, and not for criminal activity or mental health issues. There was no relationship.
The legislation also includes $20.3 billion for the Veterans Administration's Toxic Exposure Fund to cover costs associated with the benefit expansion mandated by the PACT Act of 2022. This covers compensation for injuries sustained by veterans during their military service due to burn pit smoke, chemical pollution, and other toxins.
It's great that the Senate has approved the amendments that reflect my bill to protect veterans. #2A right. Veterans should not lose their constitutional rights without due process simply because they need help managing their finances. Let's cross the finish line now! https://t.co/gWJ4obhuWU
— Congressman Mike Bost (@RepBost) October 25, 2023
Overall, the legislation allocates $328 billion to the VA in fiscal year 2024, about 8% more than the previous year. part Of a $467.5 billion spending package announced as part of a compromise agreement with the Senate and covering six different sectors. While the government continues to operate under an extended fiscal year 2023 budget, an omnibus 2024 appropriations bill fully funding the government through September 30, 2024 is expected to pass the Senate.
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