Press Releases

Military personnel who are trained in firearms and legally authorized to carry no longer would be prohibited from carrying weapons on military bases under legislation recently introduced by U.S. Representative Scott Perry (PA-4). The Military Bases Self-Defense Act (H.R. 3146) comes in response to yet another series of violent attacks against members of our Armed Forces serving here at home, most recently the July 16 shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which claimed the lives of four Marines and one Sailor.

“Unfortunately, we now live in a world where the troops who volunteered to protect our fellow citizens in dangerous places abroad are at increasing risk from violent extremism when they return home”, said Rep. Perry.  “Our military installations are repeatedly targeted and current Department of Defense (DOD) policy leaves these tireless servants unable to protect themselves. That must change.”

Prohibitions against Service Members, including those trained in firearm use and safety, from carrying firearms on military installations have been in place for more than two decades. H.R. 3146 repeals both Army Regulation 190-14, "Carrying of Firearms and Use of Force for Law Enforcement and Security Duties" and DOD Directive Number 5210.56, entitled "Use of Deadly Force and the Carrying of Firearms by DOD Personnel Engaged in Law Enforcement and Security Duties”.

Rep. Perry’s legislation further prohibits the DOD Secretary and the Secretaries of the military departments from reinstating the firearm bans repealed in this Act or enacting similar restrictions; and prohibits the President from taking any executive action, promulgating any rule, or issuing any executive order or regulation to prohibit military personnel legally authorized to do so from carrying firearms.

H.R. 3146 awaits consideration by the House Judiciary and Armed Services Committees.