Congressman Scott DesJarlais has drafted legislation that would allow military personnel who have received firearms training to carry firearms on military installations. He will introduce it on Monday.
Rep. DesJarlais said, “Like so many in Tennessee and across our nation, I am heartbroken, angered and frustrated over the heinous acts that took place in Chattanooga. In the aftermath of this tragedy, I have spoken to countless folks in my district and one thing is clear: we must do something to help prevent another Chattanooga. Therefore, I have drafted legislation entitled the 'Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act.' This bill would repeal bans on military personnel carrying firearms on military recruitment facilities and bases. Our men and women in uniform are owed the right to protect themselves and others while in service of our country. While it is uncertain as to whether this legislation would have made an impact in this particular situation, it is clear that our military personnel have become targets, not just abroad, but on American soil as well. Therefore they must be given the tools to defend themselves.”
Here is the text of the bill:
H.R._____
Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act (Introduced in House - IH)
HR ____IH
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. ____
To safeguard military and civilian personnel on military bases and United States military recruitment facilities by repealing bans on military personnel carrying firearms, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July __, 2015
Mr. DESJARLAIS introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
A BILL
To safeguard military and civilian personnel on military installations by repealing bans on military personnel carrying firearms, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act'.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS DISARMING FIREARMS-TRAINED MILITARY PERSONNEL AND PROHIBITION ON REIMPOSING BANS ON MILITARY PERSONNEL CARRYING FIREARMS.
(a) Definitions- In this section:
(1) The term `firearms' means only handguns.
(2) The term `military personnel' means all members of the Armed Forces who are trained by the Armed Forces in the use of firearms.
(b) Findings- Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Military personnel are trained in firearms use and are prepared to protect and defend the United States at all times.
(2) Military personnel are entrusted with firearms and other weapons in the defense of the United States.
(c) Repeal of Laws and Regulations Disarming Firearms-Trained Military Personnel-
(1) REPEAL- Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act--
(A) Army Regulation 190-14, issued on March 12, 1993, is repealed; and
(B) Department of Defense Directive Number 5210.56, issued on November 1, 2001, as modified on January 24, 2002, and by any subsequent modification, is repealed.
(2) EFFECT OF OTHER FIREARM BANS- Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act, any provision in any other law, rule, regulation, or Executive order that prohibits military personnel trained in firearms from carrying officially issued or personally owned firearms on military bases or United States military recruitment facilities shall have no force or effect with regard to such military personnel, and such military personnel shall not be prohibited from carrying officially issued or personally owned firearms on military bases or United States military recruitment facilities. This paragraph includes the relevant provisions in section 1585 of title 10, United States Code (relating to carrying of firearms), section 922 of title 18, United States Code (relating to unlawful acts), and part 108.11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to carriage of weapons).
(d) Prohibition on Military Personnel Gun Bans-
(1) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE- The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall not reinstate the firearm bans referred to in subsection (c) or enact similar restrictions prohibiting or restricting military personnel from carrying firearms.
(2) PRESIDENT- The President shall not take any executive action or promulgate any rule or issue any Executive order or regulation to prohibit military personnel from carrying firearms.
(e) Reporting Requirement- The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, a report describing the actions taken to ensure compliance with this section.