Congress is one step closer to resolving an unjust state of affairs that would have let one mistake bar many Americans from gun ownership indefinitely. While non-violent felons have historically been able to petition BATFE to regain their gun ownership rights, the agency has lacked the capacity to process these applications since Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote a provision 23 years ago blocking appropriations. This meant that felons who had paid their debt to society and posed no risk were left without the ability to defend themselves.
An amendment approved by the House last week would allow the processing of petitions to resume, meaning that many deserving Americans might soon be able to buy firearms again.
