Us Congress House Bill HB1987

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/25
• Refer: 3/10/25

Caption

Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025

Impact

The bill outlines a framework where eligible individuals can request covered items, such as lockboxes, or redeemable vouchers for their procurement. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized to collaborate with qualified entities that specialize in secure firearm storage. An annual report is mandated to assess the program's operations and outreach effectiveness, which will help ensure accountability and adapt the program based on feedback and performance metrics. Additionally, it outlines that participation in this program does not infringe upon the rights of individuals concerning lawful gun ownership.

Summary

House Bill 1987, titled the 'Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025', proposes to amend title 38 of the United States Code. This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program aimed at providing certain individuals, including veterans and eligible former members of the armed forces, with items designed for the secure storage of firearms. The initiative is launched with the intention of promoting safety and preventing firearm-related suicides among veterans, who are known to be at a higher risk for such tragedies.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on safety, it also includes provisions that attempt to mitigate potential pushback regarding personal freedoms. For example, it explicitly states that the program will not create a registry of firearm owners, nor will it impose mandatory storage requirements. Concerns may arise from advocates for gun rights who might view any governmental program related to firearms as a step towards stricter regulations. Furthermore, the funding outlined for the program, totaling $5 million annually for a decade, may prompt discussions about budget allocation and priorities within the Department of Veterans Affairs.