Fighting to Rebuild Trust Between Police and the African American Community
Statement
This week, I asked Attorney General Loretta Lynch about additional police sensitivity trainings, using independent prosecutors to investigate cases of police use of deadly force, the Department of Justice's investigation into the shooting of Memphian Darrius Stewart, and I recognized Interim Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings for his leadership in keeping the protests in Memphis peaceful. I also spoke on the House floor criticizing House Republicans for recessing for almost eight weeks without addressing important issues facing our country; passed an amendment to the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to help preserve historic sites of the Civil Rights Movement; and hosted a panel discussion on healthy eating in food deserts. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter and Facebook to see these updates as they happen.
Fighting to Rebuild Trust Between Police and the African American Community
On Tuesday during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, I asked Attorney General Loretta Lynch about the need for additional police sensitivity trainings and the need to use independent prosecutors to investigate and, if need be, prosecute instances of police use of deadly force. In the wake of shooting of Alton Sterling Louisiana and Philando Castile in Minnesota, there has been a surge in support for the Police Training and Independent Review Act, a bill I introduced to encourage states to initiate both of those much needed reforms. I also asked her about the Department of Justice's investigation into the shooting of Memphian Darrius Stewart and recognized Interim Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings for his leadership in ensuring protests in Memphis remained peaceful. You can watch my question time with the Attorney General here.
Recessing Congress with Work Left to Do
On Thursday, House Republicans recessed the House of Representatives for nearly the next eight weeks without any action on restoring voting rights, gun violence prevention, the Zika Virus, or the Flint, Michigan water crisis.
Preserving Civil Rights History
On Wednesday night, the House of Representatives passed my bipartisan amendment to the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill with Representative Bradley Byrne (R-AL) to increase funding to preserve sites that tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement.
Building a Healthier Memphis
On Monday, I hosted a panel discussion as part of my "Building a Healthier Memphis" series with local, state, and federal officials on how to make healthier choices when feeding your family in a food desert. Much of what is offered in food deserts is unhealthy, processed food high in calories, sugar, sodium and fat, fueling epidemic levels of obesity and diabetes.
Reforming Our Criminal Justice System
On Sunday, I attended the West Tennessee Forum on Juvenile Justice sponsored by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators. I gave an update on legislation I've been working on in Congress to address criminal justice reform.
Bringing Congress to your Corner
Over the summer, my office will hold "Congress on your Corner" events. Please mark these dates on your calendar. If you have questions or problems with Social Security, Medicare, FHA, the VA or any other federal agencies, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.
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