JAKE TAPPER, CNN HOST: In other political news, one year after the post-Newtown push on gun control began, the White House has announced two proposed rule changes to improve the federal background check system to keep guns out of the hands of those who are deemed mentally ill. The Department of Justice will work to clarify rules involving forcible commitments to mental institutions. They want to add both in-patient and out-patient forcible commitments to the system that already prohibit felon from legally owning a gun. Also, the Department of Health and Human Services is proposing a new regulation to try and overcome hurdles and privacy laws with what health care providers can disclose to the background checks system. HHS says simply seeking health for mental health problems and getting care does not prohibit someone from getting a gun. An independent review panel has urged President Obama to stop letting the NSA collect Americans' phone records in a massive data base. How did the government respond? By getting the secret FISA court to renew the NSA's authority today. At least they're telling us about it now. The director of National Intelligence has declassified the FISA court's ruling. Last month, one federal court judge ruled that bulk collection probably violates the constitution, but another federal judge ruled that it doesn't, so there's a chance that the Supreme Court will ultimately get involved. Coming up on THE LEAD, if the Packers win a playoff game, and no one is there to see it, does it still count? The tricks the NFL is pulling to make it seem like their stadiums are selling out, that's in our Sports Lead. In our Pop Culture Lead, I hope your DVR is well rested from the holidays because it's about to be overloaded with all the shows coming back in January. We will tell you what to keep and what to delete in our Culture Lead, coming up.
White House Wants New Gun Rules For Mentally Ill