Wichita Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – authored a provision in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2024 to protect veterans from losing their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms when they receive help managing their VA benefits. This legislation was signed into law by the President.

The legislation prohibits the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting personal information through the VA fiduciary program to FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself, herself, or others.

"Veterans should not have to choose between getting help from the VA to manage their benefits and forfeiting their Second Amendment rights," said Sen. Moran. "Our nation’s policies should encourage veterans to utilize the services provided by the VA, rather than driving them away by denying them their right to due process. This legislation makes certain that veterans who are receiving these services from VA have their Second Amendment and due process rights protected."

This amendment aims to ensure that veterans can seek assistance from the VA without fear of losing their Second Amendment rights. Sen. Moran's efforts have been focused on safeguarding veterans' rights while also promoting their access to necessary services.

The enactment of Sen. Moran's amendment underscores the importance of upholding veterans' Second Amendment rights while they seek support from the VA. By prioritizing veterans' rights to due process and access to services, this legislation aligns with the commitment to support those who have served in the nation's military.

This significant development reflects Sen. Moran's dedication to advocating for veterans' rights and ensuring that they are not faced with unnecessary hurdles in accessing essential benefits and services.