NPR

House OKs Bill Allowing 'Mentally Incapacitated' Veterans To Buy Guns

Critics of the bill say it could lead to more suicides — in one recent year, an average of 20 veterans per day died from suicide, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
A House-approved bill would require a court hearing before a U.S. veteran is deemed mentally unfit to own a gun. Here, rifles are seen at a gun shop in Merrimack, N.H., last year.

The House has approved legislation allowing veterans who are "mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent" or prone to blackouts to buy guns. Critics of the bill say it could raise the suicide rate among veterans — a rate that has risen in the past decade.

At least a dozen Democrats joined Republicans to support

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readAmerican Government
Barron Trump Will Serve As A Florida Delegate At The GOP Convention
Barron Trump, who turned 18 in March, has largely been kept out of the spotlight — until now. His name appears on a list of delegates for Florida at the Republican National Convention in July.
NPR3 min readCrime & Violence
Adult Film Star Stormy Daniels Grilled By Trump Lawyer In Hush Money Trial
Today is the second day of testimony for adult film star Stormy Daniels. On Tuesday she testified to a nondisclosure agreement and settlement deal with former President Donald Trump.
NPR4 min read
Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Sending Legislation To The House
The Senate passed a bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.

Related Books & Audiobooks