Behind Gun Debate, Deal To Expand Mental Health Care

An amendment to the gun bill that would significantly expand the availability of mental health services is gathering bipartisan support.

The New York Times is reporting that the amendment would, "among other things, finance the construction of more community mental health centers, provide grants to train teachers to spot early signs of mental illness and make more Medicaid dollars available for mental health care. There would be suicide prevention initiatives and support for children who have faced trauma."

The legislation is being offered by two Democratic senators, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Jon Tester of Montana, but has attracted the support of key Republicans like John Cornyn of Texas, Marco Rubio of Florida and Roy Blunt of Missouri.