WASHINGTON, D.C. (NEWS CENTER Maine) - It's an argument you've seen all over social media - that President Trump rolled back an Obama-era ruling that would have prevented more people with mental health issues from buying guns.
The NEWS CENTER Now team set out to verify: Did President Trump repeal this law?
The simple answer is YES - but it's not as cut and dry as some make it appear.
First, this doesn't start and end with President Trump. The repeal was an act of Congress, one that passed easily in both the House and Senate.
Records show most of Maine's delegation voted yes. Republicans Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Bruce Poliquin, along with Independent Senator Angus King approved the legislation. A spokesperson for Chellie Pingree says the Democrat voted no, but isn't sure why her vote was never recorded.
According to Congressional records, Representative Pingree didn't vote.
A spokesperson for Congressman Poliquin says the Congressman supported the repeal because he believes the previous rule did not protect due process.
Senators Collins and King sent out a joint statement - saying this bill stigmatized those with mental illness, and did not consider whether or not individuals were a danger to themselves or others. They are currently co-sponsors of a different plan to address gaps in the background check system.