African Americans make up just 13% of the U.S. population -- but are the victims of almost a quarter of fatal police shootings.
This blatant, systemic racism can’t continue. The deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many people of color at the hands of law enforcement are all travesties of justice -- and must be answered with swift and lasting change.
To begin that change, House Democrats -- led by the Congressional Black Caucus -- have proposed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
The act would, among other things, ban the use of chokeholds, abolish racial profiling, end “qualified immunity” for police, and create a National Police Misconduct Registry to ensure that when violent or problematic officers are caught, they’re tracked, punished, and held accountable for the rest of their careers.
The bill has already passed the Democratic-led House. But if Republicans get their way, it’ll never become law. Mitch McConnell has said the bill won’t survive the Senate -- and President Trump has vowed to use his veto power if it does.
It’s despicable the way the GOP is standing in front of progress, especially at such a pivotal moment. Their resistance to racial justice in America is all the more reason why we need to unite to demand it now, together.
