Good afternoon friends,
Yesterday, I voted to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. This critical legislation reforms America’s police departments and enhances trust in our communities. Our diverse communities need to have trust in our public safety and have a seat at the table when working with public safety to keep our streets safe.
On the Judiciary Committee, I worked to craft this bill to enhance trust in our local police officers. Yet, I was disappointed to see that my amendment to decriminalize cannabis was not part of the final bill. Cannabis arrests are one of the leading causes for violent interactions between law enforcement and our citizenry. Cannabis use is a social and medial issue, not a criminal issue. Police should not be given the impossible job enforcing flawed federal policies.
The tragic death of George Floyd and countless others will not be in vain. While we value and respect the brave and honorable officers who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us, there are many who should not be police officers.
For far too long, pleas for justice and reform have fallen on deaf ears in Congress.The Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 is just the start in creating the change we need in our country. Our next step is to fix our flawed Cannabis policies and assure economic opportunity for all.
