The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing on January 14, 2025, focusing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) practices regarding veterans' rights, particularly concerning firearm ownership. The meeting highlighted significant concerns about the VA's process for reporting veterans to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

A key point of discussion was the VA's policy of reporting veterans who require fiduciaries to manage their finances due to disabilities. It was noted that this practice has led to over 250,000 veterans being stripped of their constitutional right to possess and purchase firearms without any due process. Critics argued that these veterans, who have served to protect the Constitution, are being denied their Second Amendment rights without sufficient justification.

The subcommittee emphasized that the VA reports these veterans to the NICS list without any judicial ruling or medical evidence indicating that they pose a danger to themselves or others. There was a strong assertion that the current system lacks necessary safeguards, as no medical professional is required to assess a veteran's risk before they are reported. This raises concerns about the fairness and legality of the VA's actions, as there is no data supporting the notion that a veteran's inability to manage finances due to a disability correlates with being dangerous.

The hearing underscored the need for a review of the VA's practices to ensure that veterans' rights are protected while also addressing any legitimate concerns about safety. The subcommittee's discussions may lead to further investigations and potential reforms in how the VA handles these sensitive issues.