John Cornyn Defends Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Senator John Cornyn (R) defended the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act on the Senate floor, highlighting its investments in mental health, school safety, and law enforcement while pushing back against what he called misconceptions about red flag laws, firearm waiting periods, and Second Amendment protections.

What did Cornyn say about the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act?

Sen. John Cornyn spoke on the Senate floor this week to mark the fourth anniversary of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), highlighting what he described as the law's success in improving public safety while protecting constitutional rights.

Cornyn also held a colloquy with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to address several claims that have circulated about the legislation since it became law in June 2022.

Mental health and school safety funding

Cornyn emphasized that the law made historic investments in mental health services and school security rather than creating new federal gun restrictions.

According to Cornyn, Texas has received more than $312 million through the law to strengthen behavioral health programs and improve school safety.

Sen. John Cornyn: "What the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act did do is make an historic investment in mental health and school safety and a commonsense measure to prevent dangerous individuals from being a harm to themselves and others."

He also noted that the legislation expanded Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics nationwide, saying there are now more than 500 community-based mental health centers operating in 46 states.

Addressing misconceptions

Cornyn rejected claims that the law created a federal red flag law or encouraged states to adopt one.

Sen. John Cornyn: "The truth is, BSCA actually makes it harder to implement red flag laws because you can't do so and access this money unless you enhance the due process protections that are necessary to protect what is a constitutional right."

He also disputed claims that the legislation established mandatory waiting periods for purchases by individuals under 21, explaining that the law instead allows enforcement to review certain juvenile criminal and mental health records during background checks.

The Bottom Line

Four years after the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act became law, Cornyn says the legislation has strengthened mental health services, improved school safety, and given law enforcement additional tools to combat gun trafficking while protecting constitutional rights.