“Red Flags” Removed from National Defense Bill
While Nancy Pelosi was busy forcing Congress to vote on “Tiger King” legislation, banning the ownership of big cats, and legalizing marijuana nationwide, Gun Owners of America was busy successfully dealing the final blow to gun control.
Back in July, GOA alerted Congress when we discovered so-called “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation Orders (GCOs) buried deep in H.R. 6395, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
But you didn’t hear this on the news. Back then, the world was busy debating whether we should rename US military bases.
The gun confiscation language lay buried on page 343 of 1427 of the NDAA.
Today, GOA is pleased to announce that this passage has been removed from the bill and that, at least for the time being, there will be no federal “Red Flag” GCOs for those subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
But this gun control could easily have snuck through Congress.
Since discovering the gun control, GOA’s team of lobbyists in Washington D.C. tracked the bill and worked hand in hand with Republican leadership, members of Congress, and the White House to ensure that this nasty gun control was removed.
Our work came to fruition late last week, when H.R. 6395’s Conference Report, discussing the results of the House-Senate negotiations, was published.
In that conference report on page 3872 of 4517 was our result.
Authority of military judges and military magistrates to issue military court protective orders
The House bill contained a provision (sec. 542) that would amend chapter 80 of title 10, United States Code, to authorize military magistrates and military judges to issue military court protective orders [against] a person subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Senate amendment contained no similar provision.
The House recedes.
We had successfully blocked GCOs from the final bill and force House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to “recede” on her anti-gun policy goal.
Goodbye anti-gun §542!
In its place, §542 of the final bill now contains unrelated language regarding the Qualifications of Judges and Standard of Review for Courts of Criminal Appeals.
But, the fate of the 2021 NDAA is still up in the air.
Trump has threatened to veto the bill over Title 47 U.S.C. §230 reform and the renaming of military bases. However, this new Conference Report legislation is backed by a bipartisan and veto-proof majority.
We will keep you informed as this bill moves through the final legislative process.
Still, gun owners should celebrate the removal of gun control from this bill, as this represents only the first of many legislative battles to defeat gun control gun owners may face for the next four years.
In liberty,
Aidan Johnston
Director of Federal Affairs
Gun Owners of America
Follow me on Twitter: @RealGunLobbyist
P.S. During this holiday season, those who donate $50 or more will receive a Limited Edition GOA Christmas ornament!
