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Cotton, King, Roe, and Correa Introduce Veterans Heritage Firearms Act

Press Release

Date: June 26, 2017
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Guns Veterans

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Congressman Phil Roe (R-Tennessee), and Congressman Lou Correa (D-California) today introduced the Veterans Heritage Firearms Act, legislation that would create a 180-day amnesty period for veterans or their family members to register firearms acquired overseas before October 31, 1968 without facing any prosecution.

"Our World War II and Korean War Veterans risked their lives in foreign lands in defense of our freedoms. These firearms represent the sacrifices they made in the name of duty and are often treasured keepsakes," said Cotton. "We should do everything we can to make sure they stay that way. This bill would protect veterans and help preserve these historical artifacts."

"I am proud to sponsor the Veterans Heritage Firearms Act, legislation that would allow World War II and Korean War veterans to register their firearms obtained overseas," said Rep. Roe. "Giving these heroes the opportunity to register their antique firearms will allow families to preserve these historical artifacts as an important part of their family heritage."

"Our veterans have given us so much. This bill allows them to keep the weapons that might have saved their life overseas. I am honored to help our veterans keep a piece of their own history. It is just one more way we can say thank you to the soldiers who have defended our country," said Correa.

Background: During World War II and the Korean War, many American troops legally obtained firearms overseas, but do not have the proper paperwork to certify their purchases. As a result, many have been unable to obtain the permit required to possess these weapons legally. In 1968, Congress passed legislation that included a similar brief amnesty period, but many veterans did not receive enough notice to participate. This bill would protect veterans who currently possess these firearms from prosecution by allowing them to seek a federal registration.


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