U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, responded to a recent announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding veterans' Second Amendment rights. The VA stated it would stop reporting veterans who have been assigned a fiduciary to help manage their financial decisions and benefits to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Senator Moran said, "No veteran should be penalized or stripped of their right to legally purchase and own a firearm without due process simply because they sought assistance from VA regarding their finances or earned benefits. In reversing this practice, VA is righting this wrong for veterans in Kansas and across the country who should be able to receive the necessary and often critical help they need to manage their benefits, without jeopardizing their constitutional rights. Congress should pass the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to make certain this breach of due process cannot occur again under any administration."
Previously, when a veteran was assigned a fiduciary by the VA, that information was reported to NICS, resulting in loss of firearm purchasing rights even if there had been no court determination that the veteran posed a danger. Last year, Senator Moran and Senator John Kennedy introduced legislation aimed at permanently stopping these actions. Since 2024, amendments have been secured in annual appropriations bills providing due process protections.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee plays an important role in supporting veterans through oversight of health care programs and benefits. The committee works with organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and has advanced legislation focused on improving services for those who have served in the military (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/). Established in 1970, it has contributed to social progress by expanding access to health care and assisting veterans with transitions back into civilian life (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/). The committee operates out of offices within the U.S. Capitol complex (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/) and oversees veterans’ programs nationwide (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/). Senator Moran currently serves as chairman while Richard Blumenthal is ranking member (https://www.veterans.senate.gov/).
