WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) and Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) today introduced legislation, The NICS Reporting Improvement Act of 2013, to clarify circumstances under which a person loses the right to receive or possess firearms based on mental illness.

The Senators noted that under current law certain mental incompetency adjudications are not required to be reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) which is the clearinghouse for all new gun purchases.

• an imminent danger to themselves or others;
• found guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case;
• was not guilty in a criminal case by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect;
• was incompetent to stand trial in a criminal case;
• was not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility under the Uniform Code of Military Justice;
• required involuntary inpatient treatment by a psychiatric hospital;
• required involuntary outpatient treatment by a psychiatric hospital based on a finding that the person is an imminent danger to himself or to others; and
• required involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital for any reason including drug use.

“The Alice Boland case is ‘Exhibit A’ of a broken background check system,” said Graham.  “An individual who pleads ‘Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity’ should not be able to pass a federal background check and legally purchase a gun.  As astonishing as it sounds, that actually happened.  Our bill addresses the Boland case, and other similar instances, to ensure that those who have been declared an imminent danger to themselves or others aren’t legally able to obtain a firearm.  I would expect overwhelming bipartisan support for our legislation.”

"I’m pleased that we have been able to bring together unlikely allies from outside the building and produce a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will help keep our communities safe while protecting our Second Amendment rights,” Begich said. “I have worked side by side with both the NRA and the mental health community to ensure that this bill will help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people without stigmatizing the mentally ill or taking away individual rights. I hope today’s announcement serves as a reminder that if we roll up our sleeves and work together, we can still get things done around here.”

“We must strengthen the reporting process of mental health records so that those who should not have access to guns are barred from purchasing them,” said Flake.  “Ensuring that more of these records are integrated into NICS will significantly improve the background check process.”

“I’m a strong supporter of 2nd amendment rights. That said, it’s evident that our background check system needs some improvements,” Pryor said. “Our bipartisan, common-sense bill will update the system, and ensure individuals who have been deemed “mentally incompetent” are not able to pass a background check and purchase firearms.”

The Senators also noted the legislation contains provisions to ensure Second Amendment rights are returned to individuals after they have recovered from their mental illness.  The legislation also does not apply to persons in a mental institution for observation or those who voluntarily admit themselves to a psychiatric hospital.

Today, I introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution expressing concerns about the Iranian nuclear threat and the need for the United States to stand with Israel.

We have no better friends in that part of the world than Israel.  Last year President Obama told the people of Israel, ‘We have your back.’ Our resolution builds upon that statement and makes it clear that if Israel is one day forced to protect themselves we will stand with Israel.  (Audio/Video of My Remarks is Available Here)

• Declares that the United States has a vital national interest in and unbreakable commitment to, ensuring the existence, survival, and security of the State of Israel.

• Reaffirms the United States support for Israel’s right to self-defense.

• Urges that if Israel is compelled to take military action in self-defense, the United States will stand with Israel and provide diplomatic, military, and economic support in its defense of its territory, people, and existence.

The resolution was co-sponsored by fifteen Senators including Senators Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Chuck Schumer (D-New York).

I oppose the nomination of Chuck Hagel to serve as our next Secretary of Defense.  The position of Secretary of Defense is one of the most important jobs in our government.  There were other, more capable choices available and I regret President Obama did not choose one of them.

Having said this, I do believe it is the President’s prerogative to pick his Cabinet and I will work with Senator Hagel to ensure our defense at home and security around the globe is not diminished.

I’m disappointed not one Democrat stepped forward to express concerns about Senator Hagel’s views on Israel and Iran.  I believe from his past actions, he has shown antagonism toward the State of Israel.   In these dangerous times, his nomination sends the worst possible signal to our enemies in Iran.

It was with great regret that I learned from General Allen that he will be retiring and not assuming NATO Command.   General Allen informed me shortly after meeting with the President that due to personal family reasons, he will be seeking retirement.

The nation owes a great debt to General Allen, who has been one of the most outstanding officers I have ever known.  He led the surge of troops in Afghanistan, delivered a strong blow against our enemies, and did an exceptional job building up the Afghan security forces.