A new spending bill expected to be signed by President Joe Biden will bring about a significant change in the way veterans declared mentally incompetent by the government can access firearms. The legislation, which has been a point of contention between Republicans and Democrats, aims to reverse the current law that requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report such veterans to the national background check system.
Proponents of the change argue that the existing law unfairly penalizes veterans who rely on benefits from the agency and may need assistance managing their finances. On the other hand, gun control advocates view the law as a crucial measure in preventing suicides among military veterans.
The provision in the spending bill would block funding for the law but still allow the VA to report individuals to the background check system if a court finds them to be a danger to themselves or others. This change would need to be renewed in future spending bills to remain in effect permanently.
The Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes that it conducts a thorough review before reporting individuals to the background check system. Decisions to appoint a fiduciary for veterans unable to manage their finances are based on medical evidence or court decrees, with due process in place for the beneficiaries to present evidence of their capability.
While the White House has expressed opposition to the reversal of VA policy, President Biden is expected to sign the overall legislation, which funds various agencies. The administration remains committed to exploring ways to prevent firearms from reaching individuals who pose a risk to themselves and their communities.
Gun control advocates have voiced concerns about the potential increase in gun violence resulting from the change in VA policy. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have engaged in negotiations to address these concerns and avoid a government shutdown.
Despite efforts by some Democrats to remove the provision from the spending bill, the change in VA policy is set to move forward. Advocates for gun safety stress the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of setbacks and continue to push for measures to prevent the proliferation of firearms.
