June 26, 2020 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) on Thursday released the following statement after the House 
of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act with bipartisan support. This legislation is a comprehensive approach to change the culture of law enforcement and hold police accountable for misconduct. Harris is a lead co-sponsor of companion legislation in the Senate.
“Today’s bipartisan House passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is a big step forward in our march toward achieving the ideal of equal justice under law. This legislation is an opportunity for Congress to meet the American people’s demands by specifically addressing the problem of police brutality and holding officers accountable for misconduct.
“I was honored to work with my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues, including Chairwoman Bass and Senator Cory Booker, to introduce the first-ever bold, comprehensive approach to change the culture of policing in America, hold police accountable for misconduct, and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Our legislation establishes a national use of force standard that allows officers to use deadly force only when necessary. It creates a national ban on no-knock warrants in drug cases. The bill gives state attorneys general the authority to launch independent investigations into police misconduct, and expands the Department of Justice’s powers to conduct robust pattern and practice investigations into discrimination by law enforcement agencies.
“I applaud the House of Representatives for prioritizing this meaningful bill that will actually save lives. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this legislation immediately. Any delay would be a disservice not only to the millions of Americans protesting and demanding change, but to the memory of George Floyd and the countless other Black Americans killed by law enforcement.
“Real solutions are within our grasp. It is now incumbent on Mitch McConnell and the Senate to follow through.”
Source: Senator Kamala D. Harris
