Lafayette Reporter

The Senate has passed an amendment proposed by Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) to an appropriations bill that aims to protect the Second Amendment rights of veterans. The amendment, based on the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act, seeks to prevent veterans from losing their right to purchase or own firearms when they receive assistance in managing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

In a statement, Senator Kennedy emphasized the importance of ensuring that veterans' rights are not subject to the judgment of unelected bureaucrats. He stated, "Veterans who sacrificed to defend our Constitution shouldn't see their own rights rest on the judgment of unelected bureaucrats—but right now, they do. My amendment would prevent government workers from unduly stripping veterans of their right to bear arms."

According to current law, when a fiduciary is appointed to assist a beneficiary in managing their VA benefits, the VA is required to send the beneficiary's name to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). However, it is ultimately the VA employees who decide whether veterans receive help from a fiduciary.

Senator Kennedy's amendment aims to address this issue by prohibiting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting a veteran's personal information through the VA fiduciary program to NICS, unless a relevant judicial authority determines that the beneficiary poses a danger to themselves or others.

The text of the amendment can be found [here](link to amendment text), while Senator Kennedy's full remarks on the matter are available [here](link to Kennedy's remarks).

The passing of this amendment reflects the Senate's recognition of the importance of protecting the Second Amendment rights of veterans. By preventing the unnecessary stripping of these rights, the government can ensure that veterans who have bravely served their country are not unjustly punished for seeking assistance in managing their VA benefits.

This amendment serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to uphold the rights and liberties of veterans, who have already made significant sacrifices in defense of the Constitution. With the support of this amendment, veterans can have confidence that their rights to bear arms will be respected and safeguarded.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=B6FBD952-FF2E-4D6A-B4D8-23D377ECA84F