"Senate's Controversial Decision on Vets' Gun Ownership Preceded Maine Shooting"

The Senate voted 53-45 to adopt an amendment that makes it easier for veterans with mental disabilities to obtain guns, just hours before an Army reservist with a history of mental health issues killed at least 18 people in Maine. The amendment, introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), overturns the requirement for the Department of Veteran Affairs to send the names of veterans needing assistance managing their benefits to the FBI's background check system. Five senators who caucus with Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the amendment, arguing that it is wrong for the government to strip veterans of their right to bear arms. However, critics, including Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Ct.), raised concerns about restoring gun rights to veterans diagnosed with mental illnesses.