GOP putting NRA lunacy into defense bill.

This is nuts. From ABC News:

A vote is expected today on a proposal that would allow certain gunowners to bring their weapons across state lines.

The amendment would let people with concealed weapons permits carry their guns into other states as long as they follow that state's laws about where concealed weapons are permissible.

Just two states would not be part of the plan: Illinois and Wisconsin do not issue any conceal and carry permits so the amendment wouldn't affect them.

"Law-abiding South Dakotans should be able to exercise the right to bear arms in states with similar regulations on concealed firearms," the amendment's author, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said in a statement released Monday. "My legislation enables citizens to protect themselves while respecting individual state firearms laws."

And an editorial from Newsday:

An amendment that would allow the legislatures of other states to dictate who can carry concealed weapons here in New York is a deadly bit of mischief that the U.S. Senate should reject. If it becomes law, states would be required to honor concealed carry permits issued by any other state.

That would be one-size-fits-all at its worst, making the most lax state gun laws in the nation the de facto national standard. New York has tough carry laws and rigorously screens applicants. But in Alaska, for instance, even people guilty of misdemeanor sex offenses against children aren't disqualified, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. And under the amendment sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a permit from Alaska would be enough to legally carry loaded, concealed weapons in New York.

Illegal gun dealers must be salivating. With a permit from an indulgent state and a stash of handguns bought someplace where few questions are asked, an ambitious criminal could come to New York, walk the streets with dozens of loaded guns and run afoul of the law only if caught in the act of selling one.

The Thune amendment has been attached to the defense authorization bill, so anyone who votes against it can be accused of not supporting the troops. Senators shouldn't be intimidated. But if this lunacy survives in the Senate, it should be shot down in the House.