Steube Introduces Bill to Protect Second Amendment Rights on Military Bases
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Safe Bases Act to give the Department of Defense the authority to issue concealed carry permits for active duty members of the Armed Forces who wish to carry on military installations.
“As we saw in the recent tragedy in Pensacola, gun free zones are a threat to our safety—even in the most secure environments,” explained Congressman Steube following the introduction of the bill. “Active duty service members, who have extensive firearm training, should be afforded the opportunity to carry a concealed firearm to defend themselves and others. If we trust them on the battlefield with military equipment and firearms, then we should trust them at home on their installations to defend themselves and civilians working with them.”
The bill would allow active duty service members to apply for concealed carry permits to carry on military installations. These permits would be issued by the Department of Defense. Those who are prohibited from purchasing, owning, or possessing a firearm under section 922 of title 18 of the United States Code will not be eligible for the permits.
“The Second Amendment shouldn’t cease at the gates of our military installations for those who are actually fighting for our freedoms,” continued Steube. “This bill will allow our service members, who have significant firearm training, to protect themselves and others through the safe and legal usage of a firearm.”
Congressman Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) joined as an original cosponsor of this legislation.
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