Rep. Scott DesJarlais said the defense bill passed this week includes a directive for military personnel to be armed in the wake of the Chattanooga killing of five military personnel.
In response to the shooting that took place in July at two military facilities in Chattanooga, Congressmen DesJarlais (TN-04) and Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced their bipartisan Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act with the support of the entire Tennessee House Delegation. This legislation "would require the Department of Defense to issue a directive permitting members of the Armed Forces to carry appropriate firearms at military installations and recruitment facilities".
This legislation was predominately incorporated in a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016, which recently passed in both the House and the Senate, it was stated.
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, praised Rep. DesJarlais for his work and the impact it had on the 2016 NDAA:
“I greatly appreciate the efforts of Rep. Scott DesJarlais and the language of his bill, H.R. 3115, the Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act, which served as the building block for the recently passed 2016 NDAA provision allowing for the personal carry of firearms by military personnel at DOD installations, reserve centers and recruiting centers.”
Rep. DesJarlais stated, “As I have said before, it is clear that members of our Armed Forces have become priority targets not just abroad, but on American soil as well. Therefore our men and women in uniform must have the ability to protect themselves regardless of where they are serving. I want to thank the House Armed Service Committee for working with my office to address this new era of terrorism and for ensuring members of the military have the tools necessary to defend themselves. I also want to thank Rep. Cohen for working with me on this issue.”