Carbondale Reporter

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's legislation aimed at safeguarding veterans' Second Amendment rights has been successfully incorporated into a recent spending package signed into law, as announced by the Congressman himself. The bill prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically flagging veterans for background checks when they seek financial assistance.

"This new law will ensure our veterans’ constitutional rights will be protected when they come to their government looking for help," stated Rep. Bost, emphasizing the significance of preserving veterans' rights. He added, "No veteran should lose their right to bear arms simply because they need assistance managing their finances. As a Marine and a proud gun owner, I am proud to have my legislation become law. Our veterans deserved change; and we came together to make that change a reality."

Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at Gun Owners of America, echoed similar sentiments, expressing relief that a longstanding injustice has been rectified. Johnston remarked, "Taking a veteran's Second Amendment rights away because they have someone else managing their finances and complex military benefits has been wrong from the start, and it's a shame it took three decades to reverse this one executive action."

Various organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Rifle Association, have thrown their support behind Bost's initiative, recognizing the importance of upholding veterans' rights.

"This policy disincentivized veterans from seeking mental health treatment and stripped rights away from hundreds of thousands of men and women who have signed the dotted line in defense of our nation," Johnston continued. "GAO has been at the forefront of this fight from Day 1, and we are thrilled to finally see Congress get this reversal over the finish line."

The collaborative effort led by Rep. Bost and other key figures has culminated in the realization of this important legislative change, marking a significant milestone in the protection of veterans' rights.

For more information, the full article can be accessed at: [Bost's Official Website](https://bost.house.gov/2024/3/bost-s-veterans-second-amendment-provision-signed-into-law)