Senator wants military members to carry firearms

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced an amendment to the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act
on Tuesday that would permit members of the armed forces to possess firearms on military installations.

“I find it ridiculous that the brave men and women serving in our armed forces are asked to defend us overseas but cannot protect themselves once they return home," Paul said. "My amendment ensures that our honorable service members are allowed to protect themselves while serving our nation at home." 

The amendment would require the Secretary of Defense to amend U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 5210.56 within 30 days of passage, to allow members of the armed forces to possess firearms for defensive purposes.

It also clarifies that the carrying of a concealed weapon by a member of the armed forces, on DOD property, is not a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or 18 USC 930 – Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in federal facilities.

The amendment also allows for national reciprocity in the carrying of a concealed weapon by qualified members of the armed forces in accordance with state and local law.

Paul previously introduced the Service Members Self Defense Act of 2015 as a stand-alone bill earlier this year.