Paul joined Kennedy’s proposed “Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act,” which would prevent veterans from being denied their constitutionally-protected rights to purchase guns in the country legally after receiving assistance in managing their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
Due to a current interpretation of the law, the Department of Veterans Affairs refers those who need help accessing and managing his or her benefit payments to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, read a press release by Paul and Kennedy. The proposed legislation would “preserve the constitutional rights of veterans.”
“No veteran should have to choose between getting the help they need and preserving their constitutional rights,” Paul said. “The VA’s longstanding policy unfairly targets those who served our country, placing bureaucratic decisions above due process.”
Paul’s comments echoed Kennedy’s sentiments when he introduced the bill earlier this year.
“Our veterans should not receive less due process rights than other Americans just because they served our country and asked the federal government for a helping hand,” Kennedy said.
The senator from Louisiana explained the problems with the law as currently constructed and how it limits the rights of military personnel who take advantage of the VA benefits provided to them. It seems as if they are punished for utilizing the perks they are given for serving in the military to protect the country. Kennedy highlighted this concerning reality in his comments.
“Under the VA’s interpretation of the law, however, unelected bureaucrats punish Louisiana and America’s veterans by forcing them to choose between their Second Amendment rights and getting the help they need as they manage their financial affairs,” Kennedy said. “I’m proud to introduce the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to stand up for veterans’ constitutional rights by ending this unfair practice.”
Paul agreed and reinforced his commitment to ensuring veterans aren’t taken advantage of in this situation or lose their constitutional rights.
“I’m proud to join this effort to defend the Second Amendment rights of our veterans and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve,” said Paul.
DOJ GIVES SEALED ANSWER TO JUDGE BOASBERG’S QUESTIONS ABOUT DEPORTATION FLIGHTS
The “Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act” calls for revisions in the current interpretation of the law. The proposal by Kennedy and Paul would restrict the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from recommending that a veteran be sent for a criminal background check to request help in managing payments. Instead, the bill calls to do so only in circumstances where the “beneficiary is a danger to himself or others.”
The proposed legislation is supported by fifteen Republican senators and endorsed by numerous organizations, including the American Legion, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Gun Owners of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Association for Gun Rights, National Disability Rights Network, National Rifle Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
