WASHINGTON, DC — The US House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2016 on Friday, which includes an amendment that would allow military base commanders to authorize the concealed carry of firearms on military installations.
The amendment was written by U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), John Carter (R-Texas) and Scott Rigell (R-Virginia).
AUSTIN, TX – Today, following passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2016, which included an amendment offered by Congressman McCaul (R-TX), Congressman Carter (R-TX), and Congressman Rigell (R-VA) which grants authority to military base commanders to allow concealed carry of firearms on military installations, either for personal defense or as a force multiple, if they deem it necessary, Congressman Michael McCaul issued the following statement.
McCaul had the following to say after the House passed the bill Friday:
“Texas has twice mourned the loss of our soldiers and civilians after shootings at Fort Hood just north of my district. In 2009, Nidal Hassan walked into Fort Hood’s Soldier Readiness Center, shouted Allahu Akbar, and opened fire, killing 13 and wounding 42 others in the most horrific terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. Five years later, another shooter opened fire on the base, killing four and wounding 16 others . Enough is enough. We must give our base commanders more discretion and our soldiers more protection. Thousands of my constituents in Texas already exercise this right responsibly. It is time for our service members to be allowed to do the same.”
Proud to see 2nd amendment rights for troops on military bases pass. @RepScottRigell @JudgeCarter @replouiegohmert http://t.co/QPDhZez1wZ
— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) May 15, 2015
By a vote of 269-151, it now heads to the Senate.