On Wednesday, Senate Democrats failed our nation once again when they voted to block much needed police reform in the JUSTICE Act.
While President Trump is taking the lead to facilitate change and increase law enforcement accountability, starting with an executive order to improve police and community relations, Nancy Pelosi and congressional Democrats sought to score cheap political points by accusing JUSTICE Act sponsor Senator Tim Scott, the first Black man to ever serve in both chambers of Congress, of trying to get away with the murder of George Floyd.
By voting against the JUSTICE Act, co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, Senate Democrats voted against measures including the following:
- Strengthening training methods and tactics throughout law enforcement jurisdictions
- Penalizing departments that continue to use chokeholds
- Promoting departments to reflect the diversity of their communities
- Access to potential new-hires’ disciplinary records
- More body cameras
- Full reporting to the FBI when a weapon is discharged or force is used
- Increased reporting on ‘no knock’ warrants
Additionally, Democrats refused to make lynching a federal crime by voting down the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act.
Also included in the JUSTICE Act are the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act and the National Criminal Justice Commission Act, all co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst. Just like they did with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Senate Democrats are choosing to side with the obstructionists in their party instead of advocating for real legislative reform.
Bottom Line: Does Theresa Greenfield agree with the Senate Democrats’ vote against common sense police reform and making lynching a federal crime? Iowans are waiting.
