Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Al Green (TX-09), Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Steven Horsford (NV-04) held a call with regional reporters calling on the Senate to take up the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed the House in June with bipartisan support. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act reimagines policing for the 21st Century by banning chokeholds, stopping no-knock warrants, combatting racial profiling, eliminating qualified immunity, and mandating data collection, including body cameras and dashboard cameras. A summary of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is available HERE.

In contrast to the historic George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the President’s weak Executive Order and Senate Republicans’ proposal, which was rejected on a bipartisan basis, both fall sadly and seriously short of what is required to combat the epidemic of racial injustice and police brutality – failing to contain meaningful, mandatory accountability measures to end misconduct.

“Our nation needs healing, and it is imperative that we work quickly to bring our deeply divided nation together. On June 25th, 2020, The United States Congress passed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act in response to the brutal murder of George Floyd on the streets of Minnesota as well as the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, and Elijah McClain along with many others ,”said Congresswoman Jackson Lee (TX-18). “This is the most significant legislation in re imagining policing; This is what the protesters have peacefully gone to American streets to protest. They recognize the importance of redefining community policing relationships. That is what the George Floyd Policing Act does. To our great disappointment and demise, the United States Senate and the President of the United States refuse to join the House of Representatives in this bipartisan legislation to heal the nation and give a roadmap of success to 18,000 police departments across America. Two of my legislative initiatives, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act of 2020 and the End Racial Profiling Act of 2019, were major anchors of this bill, which will help police understand the necessity of ending excessive force and racial profiling, maintaining the right to intervene, and de-escalating. Many Black lives and many others will be saved if police departments had the basic training and commitment to these precedents. We must pass the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act because the nation is crying out for it, deserves it, and needs it to heal.”

“The list of African-American victims of injustice in policing grows longer each year. Each name represents a life ended or forever changed at the hands of systemic injustice,” said Congressman Green (TX-09). “As the Senate thwarts justice in policing, one can but only imagine the many persons who may be alive today if the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act were enforced as the law of the land. Sandra Bland could have reached her destination. Botham Jean could have finished his ice cream in the safety of his home. Breonna Taylor could have awakened the next morning in the safety and comfort of her bed. George Floyd could still be breathing. While this legislation may not prevent all injustices, if properly enforced, it would serve as a deterrent for bad policing that could save many lives. In the interest of justice and saving lives, the Senate must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now.”

“Atatiana, George, Jacob, Breonna and Ahmaud are just a few names in the constantly growing list of Black people in our nation that have been wrongly targeted and brutalized by police,” said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33).“That is why the Senate needs to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act—because we need a bold, comprehensive solution that will move our country towards healing by fundamentally transforming the culture of policing. As a father of a young Black man, I know firsthand how pivotal legislation like this would be in the fight to protect Black people across our country. It is time to stop playing politics and start saving lives, Leader McConnell. Please hold a vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act today.”

“Americans across the country have taken to the streets to call for change in our police and justice systems. I stand with those peacefully protesting for law enforcement accountability, increasing transparency and ending police brutality. I condemn any form of violent protests and looting that only serve to harm communities. I support federal efforts that will save lives, heal our nation and bring us together as a people,” said Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04). “Today, I’m calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to the Senate floor for a vote so we can finally deliver real reform and accountability for anyone who has experienced abuse at the hands of some in law enforcement.”

The George Floyd Justice In Policing Act has been endorsed by Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice; and John Crawford, Jr., father of John Crawford III as well as leading civil rights and social justice groups such as the NAACP, National Action Network, Urban League and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. More than 750 celebrities and entertainment companies endorsed the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act such asMariah Carey, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo, Meek Mill, Elton John, Kelly Rowland, Justin Bieber, Miguel, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, Jonas Brothers, Alyssa Milano and Ariana Grande, among others. More here.

The bill was endorsed by leading corporations, including Hewlett Packard (HP), law enforcement such as National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the National Fraternal Order of Police President issued a positive statement on the bill, noting there are provisions that would have a “positive impact on law enforcement and policing.” The full list of supporters can be found here.