Congresswoman Barbara Lee Praises Historic Policing Reform Bill Passed by Congress
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lee voted for H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, bold police reform legislation led by the Congressional Black Caucus. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement after the bill’s passage.
“After generations of systematic abuse, violence, and murder, the George Floyd Justice in Policing act will finally hold police accountable, end police brutality, and create structural changes to end systemic racism in policing.
“As the mother and grandmother of Black men and boys, I had many painful conversations – as all Black families do – about what to do to make sure their encounters with the police were not deadly. The trauma around these fears is lifelong. This should not be normal.
“The tragic murder of George Floyd and so many African Americans around the country – including Oscar Grant, Steven Taylor, and Stephon Clark – demand action. These tragedies demand justice.
“This bill is the first step towards getting justice for so many families who have been ripped apart due to the systemic racism in our policing and criminal justice system. No one is above the law.
“The world is watching today. The United Nations passed a resolution condemning the violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement against people of African descent in the United States. We must show the world that we truly intend to live up to our creed of liberty and justice for all, and that Black Lives Matter.”
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a bold, comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, end racial profiling, change the culture of law enforcement, empower our communities, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives. The Justice in Policing Act would: 1) establish a national standard for the operation of police departments; 2) mandate data collection on police encounters; 3) reprogram existing funds to invest in transformative community-based policing programs; and 4) streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police investigations.
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