Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act to Extend Concealed Carry Rights to Elite Military Veterans

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act, legislation that extends federal concealed carry authority to both serving and veteran special operations forces whose firearms training and marksmanship standards match or exceed those of retired law enforcement officers.

"Federal law already trusts retired police officers to carry concealed nationwide. That makes sense. 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," said Congressman Harrigan. "This bill fixes that. It does not create new rights or weaken any safeguard. It simply extends an existing, proven framework to the warriors who have earned it more than anyone."

"Atlas Rescue enthusiastically supports this legislation recognizing Special Operations veterans for their unique skills and service to our country. This recognition strengthens our ability to deploy highly trained operators in the fight against human trafficking, enabling us to more effectively bring that expertise to missions that protect the vulnerable and dismantle trafficking networks," Sean Williamson, Executive Director ATLAS Rescue.

The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act amends 18 U.S.C. Section 926C, the statute that currently grants concealed carry authority to qualified retired law enforcement officers, to also cover qualified special operators. Eligible veterans will receive permanent, nationwide concealed carry authority with no annual firearms requalification requirement, while remaining fully subject to all existing federal firearm restrictions. The bill covers honorably discharged servicemembers from paygrade E5-E9, W1-W5 or O1-O10 with verified service in Army Special Forces, the 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Scout Snipers, Reconnaissance Marines, MARSOC operators, and Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, TACP, and Special Operations Weather. The legislation also directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a photographic identification program within 180 days of enactment, and requires the Department of Justice to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies nationwide ensuring uniform recognition of qualifying credentials.

Congressman Harrigan is urging his colleagues to support the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act and honor the service of America's most elite warriors.