A spokesman for the Gun Owners of America explains why they support the Department of Justice’s efforts to undo the 30-year old policy.
For too long, a 30-plus year old policy has robbed law-abiding citizens of precious Second Amendment rights. But it appears the Department of Justice is on the verge of giving them back by removing a reckless policy.
We’re talking about the “Schumer Amendment,” which was put in place back in 1992. With it, the ATF has full authority to permanently ban gun ownership for people with particular non-violent offenses or temporary mental health commitments. And, keep in mind, these decisions are made by them without any chance of due process or chance to appeal.
With its proposal, the Department of Justice looks to restore firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). Furthermore, it has suggested the following improvements before finalizing:
- Add application tracking. Create an online portal so applicants can check their submission status and receive updates on review progress.
- Establish a decision timeline. Set a reasonable deadline for DOJ to issue decisions to prevent unnecessary delays.
- Reconsider presumptive denials. Nonviolent firearm-related offenses, such as simple possession or administrative violations, should not automatically disqualify applicants from relief. No one should ever lose their Second Amendment rights for peacefully possessing a firearm in a gun-free zone!
- Shorten the five-year waiting period. The rule should focus on whether someone poses a danger, not on arbitrary timelines, especially for those convicted under unconstitutional gun bans at the state level.
The group noted in a statement, “Restoring the rights of nonviolent, law-abiding Americans strengthens the core purpose of the Second Amendment: securing liberty and self-defense.”
A spokesman for the group – either Stephen Willeford or Mark Jones – joins us now to discuss the fight against the “Schumer Amendment” further. We welcome them to the show!
Q&A:
- Why do you think the so-called “Schumer Amendment” was put in place to begin with?
- Do people with particular non-violent offenses or temporary mental health commitments even pose a dangerous threat, compared to known criminals?
- What do you think about the Department of Justice’s move to potentially do away with this policy? How huge of a win would it be for current and potential gun owners?
- Do you believe Democrats could possibly argue against the Department of Justice’s request?
- You noted a number of improvements that could be made to the Department of Justice’s proposal. Which one do you feel is the most important, and why?
- Where do you see the fight for gun rights going as we head into 2026?
- FOR STEPHEN: You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- FOR STEPHEN: Where can people find your book?
- You can purchase the book here on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle format.
- FOR MARK: Tell us more about the Hunter Outreach program.
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Mark Jones…
Mark Jones serves as a National Director and National Spokesperson for Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF).
Mark, a Certified Wildlife Biologist® for three decades, began working for Gun Owners of America over four years ago after retiring from government service where he had 30 years of experience performing wildlife research, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, managing wildlife resources, working with hunters and recreational shooters, supervising and mentoring other professionals, and engaging in legislative issues and governmental policy.
In 2021, Mark founded and currently leads Gun Owners of America’s National Hunter Outreach Program known as Second Amendment Hunters. The Program’s mission is to engage and involve America’s 16 million+ hunters in the political fight to protect the Second Amendment and the American hunting traditions.
Mark focuses on two primary areas: 1) GOA’s core mission of protecting and defending the Second Amendment through rigorous Legislative and Judicial actions, and 2) developing Second Amendment Hunters (SAH) into a national leader in protecting American hunting opportunities and traditions at the federal and state levels.
Mark’s responsibilities allow him to work to protect Second Amendment Rights and hunting traditions in Washington D.C., state capitals across the Country, and in the capital of his home state of Wyoming.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
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