The House voted 215-214 to make approval the default when qualified service members and Pentagon civilian employees ask commanders for permission to carry personal firearms on military installations. This amendment, introduced by Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., would establish a presumption that installation commanders approve requests from qualified service members and civilian employees.
Background
The vote came less than a year after an Army sergeant allegedly used a personal handgun to shoot five fellow soldiers at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in August 2025. Personal firearms were prohibited on post at the time, military officials said.
The National Defense Authorization Act has become law every year for more than six decades and is traditionally one of Congress’ most bipartisan major bills. However, the firearms and transgender-policy provisions adopted Tuesday threatened to erode Democratic support, potentially forcing Republican leaders to rely on their narrow majority for final passage and creating new sticking points in eventual negotiations with the Senate.
Other Provisions
Lawmakers approved an amendment from Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., prohibiting TRICARE from covering transition-related hormones, puberty blockers, and surgeries for service members and military dependents. The provision passed 219-208, with five Democrats voting yes and one Republican voting no.
The House also voted 221-203 to approve a second Mace amendment barring transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports at Department of Defense Education Activity schools serving military families.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
