As the nation reels from yet another mass murder , in which the killer shot some of his victims before taking his own life , two rival proposals aimed at improving mental health -- and supporters hope curbing mass gun violence by extension -- are before congressional lawmakers . Lawmakers have two bills tackling mental health in aftermath of Santa Barbara shooting . Such efforts have gone before and political experts believe there 's much political potential . Since Congress has failed to act , states have passed a number of gun reform laws . Families of victims , advocates frustrated by lack of federal action .
Lawmakers have two bills tackling mental health in aftermath of Santa Barbara shooting . Such efforts have gone before and political experts believe there 's much political potential . Since Congress has failed to act , states have passed a number of gun reform laws . Families of victims , advocates frustrated by lack of federal action .