Republicans want to debate gun-ownership bills that could stop some vets from losing gun rights

AUSTIN, Texas — Two bills protecting the Second Amendment rights of veterans need to be debated by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, according to Republican members of the committee, who sent a letter last week to the panel’s chairman, Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif.

The bills aim to stop some veterans from being included on lists used during background checks that could interfere with their ability to purchase or own a gun.

"These bills address serious issues affecting our nation's veterans — issues that are about as non-controversial as it gets," said Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee, the ranking Republican on the House VA committee.

H.R. 3826, or the “Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act,” would prohibit the Department of Veterans Affairs from sending information on veterans, or beneficiaries, who are assisted by a fiduciary to FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, without a judicial ruling that they are a danger to themselves or others. A fiduciary is appointed by the VA for veterans who, due to injury, disease or age, are unable to manage their own financial affairs. Medical documentation or a court order is required for a fiduciary to be appointed.