As Congress considers a bill to establish nationwide reciprocity for all law-abiding gun owners, a North Carolina lawmaker introduced a narrower proposal last week.
Combat-decorated Green Beret and current Rep. Pat Harrigan (R) introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act. In a press release, he noted that there are already exceptions for those who retired after a career in law enforcement.
Existing concealed carry rights would be extended to the most deserving
Federal concealed carry authority would be extended to both veteran special operations forces and those currently serving whose training meets or exceeds that of law enforcement officers.
“Federal law already trusts retired police officers to carry concealed nationwide. That makes sense,” Harrigan declared. “But it makes no sense that an active or retired SEAL or Green Beret, someone who spent a career mastering firearms under the most demanding conditions in the world, has no equivalent recognition under federal law.”
Harrigan noted that the bill only extends the already existing and proven framework to include “the warriors who have earned it more than anyone.”
Congress is also considering nationwide concealed carry reciprocity
His proposal would amend 18 U.S.C. Section 926C, which currently provides nationwide concealed-carry rights to qualified retired law enforcement officers.
The federal government would grant veterans who qualify permanent authority to carry concealed weapons nationwide, without renewal requirements. These special forces operatives and veterans must follow federal firearm statutes.
Of course, Congress is currently considering extending reciprocity in all 50 states, and that is priority one. It is indefensible that law-abiding citizens lose fundamental rights just for crossing state lines, and the best solution applies to all–not just active-duty and honorably discharged special forces members.
If passed and signed into law, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs would have 180 days to establish an ID program.
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