U.S. Rep. Mike Bost announced on May 21 that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1041, known as the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act. The legislation aims to prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs from removing veterans’ Second Amendment rights solely because they need financial assistance in managing their benefits.
The issue is significant for veterans who have been at risk of losing their right to bear arms without a judicial ruling or any finding that they pose a danger. Under current procedures, VA officials could report veterans requiring fiduciary help to the FBI’s background check system, potentially resulting in the loss of gun ownership rights.
“Tonight the House passed my Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. No veteran should lose their Second Amendment rights simply because they need help managing their finances, but that is exactly what’s been happening,” Chairman Mike Bost said. “Without a judge’s ruling or any finding that a veteran is a danger to anyone, a VA bureaucrat could report them to the FBI’s background check system and strip them of their right to bear arms. That is not how we treat the men and women who defended our Constitution. This bill puts a permanent end to that injustice, and as a Marine, proud gun owner, and Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I could not be more proud to have led the charge for its passage.”
The act specifically blocks the VA from sending information about veterans solely based on fiduciary determinations to federal authorities responsible for firearm background checks and requires notification of past referrals made under this basis.
Mike Bost has served in Congress representing Illinois’ 12th district since replacing Gerald Hawkins in 2015; he has won several general elections since then according to his office.
Supporters say this legislation addresses what they see as an unfair practice affecting those who served in defense of constitutional rights.
