Rep. Crank Introduces Bill to Protect Concealed Carry on Department of War Property

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) introduced the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act to uphold service members' right to self-defense.

The Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act would codify Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's recent memorandum to ensure that applications to carry a firearm for personal protection on Department of War (DoW) property are reviewed with a presumption that the service member will be approved.

Since 2015, members of the Armed Forces have been allowed to carry a personal firearm on DoW property for their personal protection with approval from a commanding officer. However, approvals have been slow and sporadic, with denials issued without explanation. As a result, the men and women entrusted to defend our nation with firearms are being denied a constitutional right to self-defense with firearms.

In addition to requiring military leadership to adhere to a presumption of approval, the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act would require that in the instance of a denial, the service member must receive, in writing, an objective, clearly stated, and individualized basis for such denial. In too many instances, our service members are being denied their Second Amendment rights with no explanation, leaving no opportunity for appeal or accountability.

"For too long, our service members' Second Amendment right to carry a firearm for personal protection on Department of War property has been hampered by reluctant leadership and bureaucratic hurdles," said Rep. Crank. "I have heard from both active duty and veterans in our community on the need for this change, and that it is why it's important to codify Secretary Hegseth's memorandum with the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act to safeguard against any future Secretary of War that may be hostile to our service members' right to self-defense."

Read the full bill here.

###