Although the Social Security Administration initially ignored a letter from members of the House Ways and Means Committee expressing concerns about a new plan that could prohibit millions of beneficiaries from purchasing firearms, the agency did finally respond a week after the requested deadline. And while officials there say they don’t plan to bar all retirees who don’t manage their own finances from gun ownership, they certainly are planning to send the names of some to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
The intention here seems to be to persuade us that it’s not as bad as we think—but there’s no indication of just how bad it really is. As NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker said: “The SSA response does not adequately address our concerns and leaves the door open for abuse … The NRA will continue to employ all means available to prevent the implementation of such a widespread injustice.”
