Distinguished Military & Intelligence Leaders Endorse Collins-Heitkamp Bipartisan Compromise Legislation

Press Release

Former CIA Directors and former special operations commanders joined other prominent former leaders of the military and intelligence communities in publishing an open letter urging support for bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Heidi Heitkamp to help keep guns from terrorists and protect American families.

The letter of support for the bipartisan legislation included former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Directors General David Petraeus and General Michael Hayden, along with former special operations commanders General Stanley McChrystal and Admiral Eric Olson. These leaders have been at the forefront of America's counterterrorism efforts and know firsthand the threat terrorism poses to the United States.

"As a group, we put service above politics. There is a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators that is doing the same thing," the former national security leaders wrote. "Led by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, they have crafted a compromise bill that would prevent suspected terrorists on two lists, the no-fly list and the selectee list, from legally buying guns, while providing critical protections for due process of law."

"Importantly, this legislation also protects the Second Amendment rights of law abiding, responsible Americans," they continued. "Had this bill been law, the FBI might have been able to detect and stop the Orlando killer."

"These prominent military and intelligence leaders know firsthand the importance of making sure terrorists aren't able to purchase guns," said Heitkamp. "Their strong support reinforces how our compromise legislation is continuing to build support not just from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, but also from those who have led and served on the front lines. By striking a needed balance between protecting the Second Amendment and helping keep guns out of the hands of potential terrorists, we'll continue to work to gather more support for our legislation."

"This distinguished group of military leaders has been on the front lines in the fight against terrorism," said Collins. "I am so honored to have their strong support for the bipartisan amendment that was considered by the Senate that would help keep terrorists from buying firearms, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans."

The letter was signed by:

Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.)

General Peter W. Chiarelli, USA (Ret.)

General Wesley Clark, USA (Ret.)

General Michael V. Hayden, USAF (Ret.)

General James T. Hill, USA (Ret.)

Admiral James M. Loy, USCG (Ret.)

General Stanley A. McChrystal, USA (Ret.)

Admiral Eric T. Olson, USN (Ret.)

General David Petraeus, USA (Ret.)

General William E. Ward, USA (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Lee Gunn, USN (Ret.)

Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, USA (Ret.)

Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, USA (Ret.)

Collins and Heitkamp's commonsense, bipartisan proposal was supported by a majority of Senators in an initial vote last week. Their legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mark Warner (D-VA). A bipartisan group of members in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced their proposal.

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