In another example of why we must stay ever-vigilant, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) nearly had a pair of anti-gun provisions included in it. These were omitted from the final, recently approved version thanks to the diligent work of pro-Second Amendment legislators and the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (ILA).
This annual, bipartisan legislation directs the funding for our military and national-security programs. That two anti-gun provisions were forced into the House-passed version of the NDAA illustrates why we must always be prepared to fight back against those who wish to curtail our freedoms.
The first of the pair, spearheaded by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), would have allowed for the confiscation of personally-owned firearms, without due process, for military members. “This would have represented a clear denial of constitutional due process and a stunning betrayal of those who swore an oath to protect and defend our country and the U.S. Constitution,” reported NRA-ILA.
The other provision was an amendment from Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) that would have changed regulations crafted by the Trump administration. These regulations were designed to enhance the competitiveness of American companies in the firearms and ammunition sectors, while simultaneously removing burdens on gunsmiths and other small businesses. They also modernize export controls and enhance national security.
Instead, Torres’ proposed amendment would have given power to anti-Second Amendment lawmakers in what is normally an administrative exercise. This would lead to numerous, unnecessary delays, which, in turn, lead to increased costs.
“On behalf of our five million members, the National Rifle Association thanks House Armed Services Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Senate Armed Services Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) for their tireless efforts to remove these provisions from NDAA,” said NRA-ILA Executive Director, Jason Ouimet. “The due process and Second Amendment rights of our men and women in uniform should never be compromised.”
As dutiful defenders of the Second Amendment, this is just one more example of why freedom-loving Americans must always be diligent, so as not to see our rights eroded by anti-gun legislators.
