Congressional lawmakers agreed on a funding package worth $436 billion.
This extended government agency funding until March 8, which aimed to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Republicans celebrated several wins in the deal, including a bill that aims to eliminate the longstanding ban on gun ownership for veterans deemed unfit to possess firearms — a contentious issue among gun-rights advocates.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has the authority to report veterans deemed “mentally incompetent” to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, potentially barring them from purchasing firearms.
Gun Owners of America, a nonprofit lobbying organization, has campaigned against the ban, arguing that it infringes on veterans’ constitutional rights and accusing the VA of overreach in managing veterans’ affairs.
After the announcement, the organization celebrated the victory over X, mentioning how the 20-year-old gun ban on veterans had been removed due to the Congressional deal.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has expressed concerns about changes to the ban, citing potential impacts on suicide prevention efforts.
The funding package, which includes six budget bills, awaits approval in the House.
However, opposition from groups like the Freedom Caucus may complicate its passage.
