Congressman Brown Praises Passage Of George Floyd Justice In Policing Act

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), praised the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The legislation would help create structural and transformational change throughout our nation's police departments, to better ensure justice for every American, particularly communities of color.

Last Congress, the House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to address the systemic racism and police brutality that have led to the murder of far too many Black men and women.

"We have a chance to not just transform policing, but to make our entire country more just and safer for every American. Systemic racism pervades our society and the criminal system, from police encounters to punishment, is racially biased. This requires both structural and transformational change for policing in America," said Congressman Brown. "Officers should act as guardians and protectors of our communities, not warriors armed with military-grade equipment."

Congressman Brown continued, "As we work in the days, the weeks and the months ahead, we have to acknowledge that for far too long, we have neglected policies and programs that meet the needs of our communities. Today, we passed the Justice in Policing Act, but tomorrow, we must take on the challenges of economic opportunity, mental health, housing, pre-K and health disparities in order to ensure equity throughout our country."

This legislation will prohibit racial profiling by law enforcement, ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, limit the transfer of military-grade equipment to local law enforcement, increase accountability and transparency on police misconduct and invest in community public safety initiatives.

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