Coburn Wins Debate Over Mental Health Findings

From News Reports Via David Hardy At Of Arms And The Law ~ Congress on Wednesday passed a long-stalled bill inspired by the Virginia Tech shootings that would more easily flag prospective gun buyers who have documented mental health problems.

The measure also would help states with the cost.

Passage by voice votes in the House and Senate came after months of negotiations between Senate Democrats and the lone Republican, Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who had objected and delayed passage. Coburn won his argument over the use of mental health findings and the determination of their validity. The government would pay for the cost of appeals by gun owners and prospective buyers who argue successfully in court that they were wrongly deemed unqualified for mental health reasons. The compromise would require that incorrect records, such as expunged mental health rulings that once disqualified a prospective gun buyer but no longer do, be removed from the system within 30 days.

It was not immediately clear whether President Bush intended to sign, veto or ignore the bill. If Congress does not technically go out of session, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has threatened, the bill would become law if Bush does not act within 10 days.

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