March 03, 2021

Rep. Mark Takano Statement on the Passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a comprehensive, transformative piece of legislation to hold law enforcement accountable and reform our justice system.

“Months after millions of Americans took to the streets to protest the horrific murders of George Floyd and so many innocent, unarmed Black men and women at the hands of police officers, the House has once again passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“Since George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, more than 100 people, that we know of, have been killed or brutalized by police, and the officers involved have not faced meaningful consequences. Inaction is putting lives at risk every single day. If we want to begin to address the structural racism that is so deeply rooted in our institutions, hold police officers accountable, empower our communities, and build trust between law enforcement and the people they are meant to protect, then we must take bold, legislative action.

“The Justice in Policing Act bans chokeholds and no-knock warrants, creates a national database to track police misconduct, challenges the qualified immunity doctrine, demilitarizes our police, and mandates the use of body and dashboard cameras. These are a just a few of the steps that need to be taken in order for us to challenge the status quo and reimagine policing in the 21st century.

“We must use this opportunity to finally take steps toward addressing centuries of systemic injustice – because Black lives matter. During this moral and racial reckoning, it is imperative for the Senate to pass this bill. In order to continue our work to make America a freer and more just place, we cannot let outdated Senate procedures get in the way of progress. Congress must send the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to President Biden’s desk for a signature.”

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