Speaker says it addresses systemic racism.
The House of Representatives voted 220 to 212 to pass a policing bill named for George Floyd, the man whose death in Minneapolis last year led to nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
The legislation overhauls qualified immunity for police officers, bars chokeholds at the federal level, prohibits no-knock warrants in federal drug cases, and outlaws racial profiling. It would also establish a national registry of police misconduct to be managed by the Department of Justice.
In a speech introducing the bill last week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “ The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will address systemic racism, curb police brutality, and save lives.”
Iowa Representatives Ashley Hinson and Marianette Miller-Meeks both issued statements opposing the policing act. Representative Hinson wrote that it is “reprehensible“ to “bring forward legislation to defund police departments while relying on law enforcement to protect our Capitol from imminent threats.” Representative Miller-Meeks wrote, “The bill we voted on tonight is a backdoor way to defund the police.”
The legislation now proceeds to the Senate. The White House has endorsed the bill.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for members of the Senate when they consider the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
- For the federal, state, and local needs for law enforcement reforms.
Sources: Axios, Newsweek, NBC News
