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House Republicans, Veterans Affairs Department at odds over gun bill

The measure would prevent the VA from sharing information about potentially at-risk vets with the FBI's criminal background check system.

WASHINGTON — House lawmakers and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are at odds over the "Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act."

The dispute was on full display on Capitol Hill last week.

"Is it your position that you will not comply with an act of law passed by Congress?" asked Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Montana)

Kevin Friel, VA Deputy Director of the Pension and Fiduciary Service replied: "Yes, I guess, based on what you have before you in testimony, yes sir."

Rosendale fired back: "That you would not comply?"

Friel responded: "Yes sir."

The bill, if enacted, would prohibit the VA from identifying veterans who have been appointed a fiduciary and submitting their names to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System--unless a court determines they are mentally incapacitated and pose a danger to themselves or others.

Gun rights supporters say current policy denies veterans due process and infringes on the right to bear arms.

House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) has now sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough calling the department's position, "a blatant disregard of our democratic process and the rule of law."

Meanwhile, two other panel members said they could not support the bill.

"Right now, 18 veterans a day die by suicide. Thirteen with a firearm. We cannot divorce ourselves from the reality of this topic," said Rep Morgan McGarvey (D-Kentucky).

"I won't be supporting any legislation that would potentially endanger the lives of veterans," said Rep Delia Ramirez (D-Illinois).

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion have expressed support for the measure.

In May, the bill was passed by the House Veterans Affairs Committee on a 13-10 vote.

The full House has yet to act.

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