Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Texas schools face $600 million in federal funding cuts, threatening mental health programs initiated after the pandemic and Uvalde school shooting. Key programs like the Texas Center for Student Supports and Stronger Connections Grant Program, which rely on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, risk losing funding as their allocated resources expire earlier than expected.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over withheld federal grants for school-based mental health services. The Department of Education is attempting to end the grants, which were established by the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, by citing a different administrative law provision after a prior court ruling forced the release of some funds.

The Trump administration is rolling back firearm regulations, including allowing mail shipment of handguns, weakening background check rules, and making it harder to revoke gun dealer licenses. Critics argue these changes reduce federal oversight and increase public safety risks, while the ATF claims they ease burdens on gun owners.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the Trump administration proposed repealing a Biden-era rule aimed at distinguishing private gun sellers from unlicensed dealers. A Trace analysis found the rule had little impact on federal prosecutions, and the ATF’s general counsel argued the repeal would not weaken enforcement against traffickers.

Gun safety advocacy group Giffords argues that pro-firearm lobbies have waning power after sitting out primaries for both gun control opponent Rep. Thomas Massie and gun safety supporter Sen. John Cornyn. A poll shows that attacks on Cornyn's gun record are less resonant than other criticisms among Texas GOP voters in his runoff race.