1.   Another Pataki proposal would require instant background checks of gun buyers at flea markets and gun shows.

2.   Both Gramm and Hutchison supported a Republican alternative that makes instant background checks available to unlicensed sellers and promoters at gun shows but does not mandate such checks.

3.   A new national computerized system for conducting instant background checks of prospective gun purchasers went into effect yesterday.

4.   A proponent of instant background checks and child safety locks, Bush as governor has signed a pair of state laws authorizing Texas citizens to carry concealed weapons.

5.   A measure that would have allowed instant background check at gun shows in Texas failed in the Legislature this session.

6.   A waiting period had been required under the Brady Law, but it had expired when instant background checks became available.

7.   Bush does support instant background checks on gun purchasers at gun and ammunition shows, something that already is required of the licensed dealers at those events.

8.   Bush spokeswoman Mindy Tucker said the governor supports instant background checks at gun shows, which are currently being debated on Capitol Hill.

9.   But he said he favors instant background checks to make sure gun buyers are legally eligible to own a gun.

10.   Even now, instant background checks are often incomplete and fail to disclose data about mental instability.