Two senators block Franken's mental health bill | Star Tribune

So let me get this straight. Since, Newtown, in order to deflect from discussing enhanced background checks, the gun lobby (for lack of better term) screamed about the laxity in measures that enabled mentally unstable persons to obtain firearms. Now when something is offered to help remedy that situation, they say NO!! Why would anyone block a mental health bill that has support from both parties and law enforcement?

Legislation that would strengthen mental health ­programs across the country is being blocked by two senators who believe that states should govern how mentally ill people are treated, said Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., a chief co-sponsor of the bill.

Franken, who has made mental health legislation a centerpiece of his Senate work, declined to identify the reluctant senators, saying that the lawmakers are being heavily lobbied behind the scenes to move aside so the bill with bipartisan support can get a floor vote.

“There is pressure from law enforcement groups and attorneys from within his state for him to not block the bill,” Franken said of one of the ­senators during an interview earlier this week. “I think we’ll get there, but right now there is a hold on the bill.”

The two lawmakers who oppose the legislation are Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, according to two sources who spoke to the Star Tribune on condition of anonymity. Coburn, a physician, is often referred to as “Dr. No” by observers in Washington because he frequently votes against bills he views as unconstitutional.

Two senators block Franken's mental health bill | Star Tribune

See also: Sen. Franken drops Justice and Mental Collaboration Act legislation

The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act would improve outcomes for the criminal justice system, the mental health system, and for those with mental health conditions by doing the following, among other things:

• extending the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA) for five years, thus continuing support for mental health courts and crisis intervention teams;
• authorizing investments in veterans treatment courts, which serve arrested veterans who suffer from PTSD, substance addiction, and other mental health conditions;
• increasing focus on corrections-based programs, such as transitional services that reduce recidivism rates and screening practices that identify inmates with mental health conditions; and
• supporting the development of curricula for police academies and orientations.