Spending bill would ease access to guns for some veterans declared mentally incapable

WASHINGTON (AP) — Veterans whom the government declares incapable of managing their own affairs would have easier access to firearms under spending legislation expected to be signed by President Joe Biden in the coming days — a reversal of current law that Republicans, and even some Democrats, have been pushing for years.

Those lawmakers say the law requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to report veterans declared mentally incompetent to the national background check system punishes those who rely on benefits from the agency and may need help managing their money. But gun control advocates say the law is an important tool in protecting against suicides by those who have served in the military.

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat, said the change could result in thousands of mentally ill people having increased access to guns — “a death sentence for many,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The spending bill provision comes as gun control advocates have scored modest wins in recent years. Congress passed a sweeping law in 2022 that would expand some background checks for people under 21 and provide new mental health services for children and schools, among other measures.

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