Cohen Welcomes Senate Passage of Legislation to Allow Members of the Armed Forces to Protect Themselves While at Military Facilities

Statement

Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) today hailed Senate passage of legislation predominantly based upon the Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act, a bill introduced by Cohen and Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) to allow members of the Armed Forces to protect themselves while on military bases and at recruitment facilities. The Congressmen introduced the bill in July following a deadly shooting at a Chattanooga, TN military recruitment facility. The bill was cosponsored by the entire Tennessee delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives.

"In the wake of the Chattanooga tragedy, it was heartening to see our state's House delegation come together and speak with one voice," said Congressman Cohen. "I am pleased the Senate heard our concerns and acted upon them."

The Enhancing Safety at Military Installations Act would require the Department of Defense to issue a rule permitting members of the Armed Forces who have received firearms training and are authorized to use firearms to carry military-issued firearms on bases and recruitment facilities. The bill was predominately incorporated into the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate last week by a vote of 70-27. It also passed the House of Representatives earlier this month.

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