On Thursday, the House VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, discussed a troubling process taking place with our veterans, causing them to be added to a criminal database without due process, and in turn resulting in the loss of their second amendment rights.

This is done when struggling veterans requiring a fiduciary are added to the national instant criminal background check system, and are thus ineligible to own firearms. The problems stems from the regular application process involved, and have affected over 270K veterans, some who have missed out on job offers because of it.

The problem here is that the process keeps veterans from asking for help. It only increases what is already a difficult process for veterans who are trying to succeed in their lives after the military. If their situation isn’t handled properly, they lose constitutional rights and are added to this database that could very well hurt them in the future. Why would they risk that?

Representative Eli Crane was at the hearing, and mentioned his bill HR 496 which would…

Direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify the Attorney General that basis for the transmission of certain information to the Department of Justice for use by the national instant criminal background check system was improper, does not apply, or no longer applies, and for other purposes.

That’s not a big ask.

As a veteran who has had his share of challenges, I can tell you that seeking help is a much easier process when you don’t have to look over your shoulder for red tape traps to potentially ruin opportunities to advance in the future.

All lawmakers should review this troubling process and consider supporting this legislation.

And you can watch the hearing below.