WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) and Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) reintroduced the U.S. Military Right to Carry Act to allow members of the United States Armed Forces to renew their concealed carry permit by mail or be treated as a resident of the state in which they are stationed for concealed carry purposes. States that fail to comply run the risk of losing federal funding.
Rep. Jason Smith has serious concerns with any impediment to an American’s ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights, let alone the Constitutional rights of our service members. This legislation makes it absolutely clear that the burden is on the states, not on our service members.
"The men and women who served this country in the United States Military have earned the right to not face discrimination when it comes to their concealed carry permits,” said Rep. Jason Smith. “If a member of the U.S. Armed Forces holds a concealed carry permit, they should be able to renew that permit by mail or be treated as a resident of the state in which they are stationed. I’m proud to work with Senator Hawley to ensure the constitutional rights of our military members are protected regardless of where they’re stationed, allowing them to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Rep. Jason Smith was originally notified of this problem last year by an active duty service member from southern Missouri who was stationed at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. After reaching out about how to renew a concealed carry permit, he was told by county officials he had to visit the office in person and be physically living in the state of Missouri to complete his renewal. This was not possible. Often, because of their service in uniform, military members are unable to travel back to their home state to take care of these types of personal matters.
Senator Hawley joined Congressman Smith, introducing the legislation in the Senate. He talked about his commitment to standing up for our men and women in uniform.
Senator Hawley said, “There is no reason the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for this country should have to fight through endless bureaucratic hurdles and red tape to maintain their concealed carry licenses. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on behalf of our military service members and their Second Amendment rights.”
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