Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has reintroduced legislation that would shield gun owners from losing their firearms during bankruptcy, a move she says defends constitutional rights for Americans facing financial distress.
Tenney, a Republican representing New York’s 24th District, announced the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act on June 20. The bill would exempt up to $3,000 worth of firearms from bankruptcy proceedings, classifying them as essential property.
Tenney’s proposal is backed by Representatives Mike Collins of Georgia, Burgess Owens of Utah, and Randy Weber of Texas. The bill aims to close what Tenney describes as a gap in current federal law, which already exempts items such as musical instruments, jewelry, and televisions, but not firearms.
“The Second Amendment is a Constitutional right for all Americans, regardless of their financial situation,” Tenney said. “No American should ever be forced to forfeit their right to self-defense because they’re going through financial hardship. This legislation ensures that the Constitutional right to own a firearm is protected, no matter the financial situation.”
The bill underscores Tenney’s broader stance on gun rights and seeks to align bankruptcy protections with what she views as the fundamental right to self-defense. The legislation mirrors other asset protections designed to maintain a basic standard of living during bankruptcy.
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