Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and more than 100 co-sponsors reintroduced the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This measure seeks to advance accountability among the nation’s law enforcement agencies and build trust among the communities they serve in order to achieve greater public safety for all. The measure was last passed in the House Chamber in 2021.
In response, William Roberts, senior vice president for Rights and Justice at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
It’s been four years since George Floyd was senselessly murdered at the hands of police—the very same people tasked with keeping him and his community safe. While his murder sparked nationwide outrage about the violent and discriminatory practices of police that endanger the lives of Black and brown Americans in this country, this outrage has not been channeled into meaningful congressional action. Congress has an opportunity to change this by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. If passed, this measure would be a step forward to ensuring that the nation’s police operate under the highest of standards and are held accountable for misconduct and violations of human rights.
At the same time, we cannot lose sight of the fact that police accountability and meaningful public safety go hand in hand. CAP will continue to work with Congress to dedicate much-needed resources to effective safety solutions, from expanded crisis response and violence interruption programs to increasing housing, health care, and employment opportunities in underserved communities.
The United States cannot wait for meaningful change. Countless lives depend upon it.
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