Rep. John Carter: Protecting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

This reform addresses a long-standing concern that some veterans were effectively losing their Second Amendment rights without proper due process.

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I secured a key provision in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations law to protect the constitutional rights of the men and women who served our country. Section 260 prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from using federal funds to report a veteran to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System solely because the VA determined the individual needs a fiduciary or assistance managing benefits. Under this provision, such reporting may only occur following an order or finding by a judge or other judicial authority that the individual poses a danger to themselves or others.

This reform addresses a long-standing concern that some veterans were effectively losing their Second Amendment rights without proper due process. The VA has since announced it will halt this reporting practice and work with the FBI to remove past records that were submitted without the required judicial determination. My provision ensures veterans receive the same constitutional protections as every other American while maintaining appropriate safeguards for public safety.

I remain committed to standing up for the men and women who defended our freedoms by protecting both their access to care and their constitutional rights.

Visit to Fort Hood
It was great to visit Fort Hood and spend time on the ground reviewing the progress on the new barracks and meeting with installation leadership about everything currently impacting the post. These improvements are critical to ensuring our soldiers have the safe, modern housing they deserve and the support they need to stay mission ready.

It is a privilege to represent the largest military installation in the free world, and I take seriously the responsibility to advocate for the men and women who serve there. My discussions with leadership focused on quality of life, readiness, and making sure Fort Hood remains fully equipped to meet the demands placed on it.

The soldiers who serve at Fort Hood, and the families who support them, represent the very best of Central Texas and our nation. I will continue working to ensure they have the resources, infrastructure, and support they have earned through their service

The Economy
I want to talk about something that is impacting every single American: the economy. Families across Central Texas and the country have felt the squeeze over the past several years, and I want to give you the facts — something rarely reported in the news. The truth is:

Inflation is now near its lowest level in nearly five years, and real wages have risen 1.3 percent since January 2025. Economic growth is also exceeding expectations, with GDP expanding at a 4.4 percent annualized rate in the third quarter of 2025. At the same time, the Working Families Tax Cuts are helping put more money back into Americans’ pockets, with tax refunds projected to reach record levels this filing season.

While there is still work to do, these trends point in the right direction. It is vital that we continue this progress. We are on the precipice of turning things around, and I remain focused on supporting pro-growth policies that strengthen our economy, expand opportunity, and deliver real relief for the hardworking families of Central Texas.